Rodent management system

ABSTRACT

A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid that together at least in part define an interior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of the station in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management station also includes at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing. The base includes a floor panel and an inner surface on which rodents move within the interior space. An upstanding rear wall extends upward relative to the floor panel about substantially less than the circumference of the floor panel.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments described herein are generally related to rodentmanagement systems, and more specifically to systems for trapping and/orkilling rodents. Rodent bait stations typically include a housing havingan internal chamber and toxic baits or other trapping devices disposedin the chamber for controlling rodents (e.g., rats and mice). Thehousing is designed to inhibit non-targeted animals (e.g., dogs, cats)and unauthorized individuals (e.g., children) from coming into contactwith the baits or the devices (e.g., trap mechanisms, such as, but notlimited to snap traps, live catch traps, or snares). Often, the housinghas a generally low-profile. That is, the height of the housing is onlyslightly taller than an average-sized rodent in a prone (e.g., normalmovement—i.e., not sitting or standing) position. The housing includesat least one opening for allowing the rodents access to the interiorspace of the housing and thereby access to the toxin and/or device. Thehousings often include two openings that create a straight passagewaythrough which a rodent can pass through the housing. A bait area forplacing the toxin and/or trap is partially separated from the passagewayby a pair of spaced-apart divider walls. Rodents can access the baitarea from the passageway through an opening between the divider walls.The bait stations are placed along a wall (interior or exterior), whererodents generally move and other places they are likely to frequent. Therodent management stations are serviced periodically by a technician toclean debris out of the housing, to replenish the bait supply, and toreplace or reset any tripped traps.

Debris often accumulates within such rodent management stations inbetween servicing. Such debris includes, but is not limited to: ratdroppings, unused bait, rodent carcasses, insects, dust, dirt, and plantleaves and stems. Removal of debris from prior systems is tedious andtime-consuming due to their construction, i.e., having a base or floorand an upstanding perimeter wall. Thus, debris can only be removed in apiecemeal fashion, or by overturning the base, or by suctioning debrisfrom the station. The placement of bait or traps within the housing isoften fixed as well, rendering reconfiguration difficult ornon-feasible.

A modular rodent management system is therefore needed which providesfor efficient cleaning of the station, good weather resistance and easyreconfiguration of bait and traps housed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housing having aninterior space and including a base and a lid together at least in partdefining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodentsenter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management stationfurther comprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing. The base comprises a floor panelhaving a circumference and an inner surface on which rodents move withinthe interior space of the housing. The base further comprises at leastone upstanding wall extending upward relative to the floor panel aboutsubstantially less than the circumference of the floor panel such that acontinuous circumferential segment of at least about 25 percent of thefloor panel circumference is free from enclosure by the at least oneupstanding wall in the opened configuration of the station.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent managementstation further comprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionablewithin the interior space of the housing. The base comprises a floorpanel having a front edge, a rear edge, and transversely opposite sideedges. In the opened configuration of the station and with all trapsremoved therefrom the inner surface of the floor panel is free fromsurface discontinuities of greater than 1 cm transversely across theentire floor panel from one floor panel side edge to the opposite floorside edge.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, the rodent managementstation further comprising at least one of a trap and a baitpositionable within the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having an inner surface on which rodents movewithin the interior space of the housing. The lid and base areconfigured such that in the opened configuration of the station and withall traps removed from off of the floor panel the inner surface of thefloor panel is accessible to permit the removal of debris therefromwithout moving the base and without picking or suctioning debris up offof the inner surface of the floor panel.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, said housing furtherhaving internal partition structure configured to partition the interiorspace of the housing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced fromthe entry opening of the housing, and a pathway defined at least in partby the partition structure and extending away from the at least oneentry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber. The partitionstructure has at least one through-opening therein other than at thebait chamber entryway to provide open communication between the pathwayand the bait chamber other than at said bait chamber entryway. The atleast one through-opening is sized substantially smaller than thehousing entry opening and the bait chamber entryway to inhibit rodentsagainst entering the bait chamber at the at least one through-opening.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, the basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The housing further hasan internal partition structure configured to partition the interiorspace of the housing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced fromthe entry opening of the housing, and a pathway defined at least in partby the partition structure and extending away from the at least oneentry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber. The partitionstructure is connected to the lid of the housing for conjoint movementwith the lid relative to the base upon movement of the lid to the openedconfiguration of the station. In the closed configuration of the stationat least a portion of the partition structure is in closely spacedrelationship with the inner surface of the floor panel to inhibitrodents from crawling under said portion of the partition structure.

In another aspect, a rodent management station positionable on a supportsurface. The station comprises a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing. The housing has a bottom defined at leastin part by the base and adapted for resting on the support surface. Thebase comprises a floor panel having an inner surface on which the rodentmoves within the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodentsenter the interior space of the housing. At least one of a trap and abait positionable within the interior space of the housing. The innersurface of the floor panel is everywhere disposed above the bottom ofthe housing by at least 2.54 mm (0.1 inches).

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having an inner surface on which rodents movewithin the interior space of the housing, at least a portion of theinner surface of the floor panel is textured to provide a tactileresponse to rodents moving within the interior space of the housing. Thelid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configurationof the station in which the interior space is substantially enclosed,and an opened configuration of the station in which the interior spaceis accessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodentmanagement station further comprises at least one of a trap and a baitpositionable within the interior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having an inner surface on which rodents movewithin the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodentsenter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management stationfurther comprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing. The housing has an inspection memberallowing inspection of the interior space of the housing without openingthe station.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having a circumference and an inner surface onwhich rodents move within the interior space of the housing. The basefurther comprises an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panelabout at least a portion of the circumference thereof, the upstandingwall having an upper edge and at least one gutter disposed in andextending along at least a portion of the upper edge of the upstandingwall to facilitate water drainage from the upstanding wall. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent managementstation further comprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionablewithin the interior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having a circumference and an inner surface onwhich rodents move within the interior space of the housing. The basefurther comprises an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panelabout at least a portion of the circumference, the upstanding wallhaving an upper edge and at least one drain hole disposed in the upperedge out of communication with the interior space of the housing topermit water to drain from the upper edge of the upstanding wall awayfrom the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relativeto the base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. Thehousing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing. The rodent management station further comprises atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The basecomprises a floor panel having a circumference and an inner surface onwhich rodents move within the interior space of the housing. The basefurther comprises an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panelabout at least a portion of the circumference thereof, the upstandingwall comprising an inner panel in part defining the interior space ofthe housing, an outer panel in opposed, spaced relationship with theinner panel, and a top panel spanning the inner and outer panels of saidupstanding wall. The lid is positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space issubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing. In the closedposition of the station the lid covers at least a portion of the toppanel of the upstanding wall of the base. The housing has an entryopening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing.The rodent management station further comprises at least one of a trapand a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving a front, a rear, opposite sides, and an interior space, thehousing including a base and a lid together at least in part definingthe interior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing,said housing having an entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing. The rodent management station furthercomprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing. The housing has at least two mountingports separate from the rodent entry opening. At least two mountingports are mounted on the same one of the front, the rear, the one sideand the opposite side of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space in substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. A locking mechanism is operable to releasablyinterlock the lid and base in the closed configuration of the station.The locking mechanism is substantially inaccessible from exterior of thehousing to unlock the lid from the base. At least one of the lid and thebase has an opening therein for accessing the locking mechanism tounlock the lid from the base. A cover is connected to at least one ofthe lid and the base. The cover extends over at least a portion of theat least one opening to inhibit moisture on the housing against enteringthe housing at said at least one opening.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space in substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. A locking mechanism is operable to releasablyinterlock the lid and base in the closed configuration of the station.The locking mechanism is substantially inaccessible from exterior of thehousing to unlock the lid from the base. At least one of the lid and thebase has an opening therein for accessing the locking mechanism tounlock the lid from the base. A tool is insertable through the at leastone opening for unlocking the lid from the base. The housing further hasan outer surface and a guide channel in the outer surface to facilitateguidance of the tool into the at least one opening.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. A locking mechanism is operable to releasably interlockthe lid and base in the closed configuration of the station. The lockingmechanism is substantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing tounlock the lid from the base, the lid having an opening therein foraccessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lid from the base. A toolis insertable through the at least one opening for unlocking the lidfrom the base. The tool has an insert portion configured for insertionthrough the at least one opening, and an elongate handle connected tothe insert portion for grasping the tool, the insert portion of the toolis configured for coupling with the lid upon unlocking the lid from thebase to facilitate use of the handle to position the lid away from thebase toward the opened configuration of the station.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a first rodentmanagement station and a second rodent management station. The firstrodent management station comprises a housing having an interior spaceand including a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative to thebase between a closed configuration of the station in which the interiorspace in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of thestation in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. Alocking mechanism is operable to releasably interlock the lid and basein the closed configuration of the station. The locking mechanism issubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base. At least one of the lid and the base has an openingtherein for accessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lid from thebase. At least one of a trap and a bait is positionable within theinterior space of the housing. The second rodent management stationcomprises a housing having an interior space and including a base and alid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an open configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing. A lockingmechanism is operable to releasably interlock the lid and base in theclosed configuration of the station. The locking mechanism issubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base. At least one of the lid and the base has an openingtherein for accessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lid from thebase. At least one of a trap and a bait is positionable within theinterior space of the housing. The second rodent management station issubstantially smaller than the first rodent management station. A toolis insertable through the at least one opening of the first rodentmanagement station housing for unlocking the lid from the base of saidfirst rodent management station. The tool is also insertable through theat least one opening of the second rodent management station housing forunlocking the lid from the base of said second rodent managementstation.

In another aspect, a rodent management station is positionable on asupport surface and comprises a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing. The housing has a bottom for resting onthe support surface. The lid is positionable relative to the basebetween a closed configuration of the station in which the interiorspace in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of thestation in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. Thehousing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing. The rodent management station further comprises atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing. The base comprises a floor panel having a perimeter, aninner surface on which rodents move within the interior space of thehousing and an outer surface at least in part defining the bottom of thehousing. The floor panel outer surface has a plurality of cavitiesdisposed therein in spaced relationship with the perimeter of the floorpanel.

In another aspect, a rodent management station is mountable on amounting surface and comprises a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative to thebase between a closed configuration of the station in which the interiorspace in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of thestation in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. Thebase has an inner surface and an outer surface, said housing having agenerally planar bottom defined at least in part by the outer surface ofthe base for resting on the mounting surface. The base has at least onepredetermined bore location at the bottom of the housing at which a boreis to be formed in the base to facilitate mounting the housing on themounting surface. The base further has guide structure disposed on theouter surface thereof at the bottom of the housing at least one of atand adjacent the at least one predetermined bore location.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, the housinghaving a bottom defined at least in part by the base, said basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface on which the rodentmoves within the interior space of the housing. The lid is hinged to thebase one of at and adjacent the floor panel thereof on a hinge axis suchthat the lid is capable of hinged movement on said hinge axis relativeto the base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. Thehinge axis is located on the housing higher than the bottom of saidhousing. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enterthe interior space of the housing. The rodent management station furthercomprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing. The lid ispositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing. The housing has an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. In the closedconfiguration the entry opening has a bottom, a top, a height and awidth, the width of the entry opening being substantially greater at thebottom of the opening than at the top thereof. The rodent managementstation further comprises at least one of a trap and a bait positionablewithin the interior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management station comprises a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, said basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface on which the rodentmoves within the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. In the closed position of the station the lid has aterminal edge one of resting on and in closely spaced relationship withthe inner surface of the floor panel. The base further comprises atleast one stabilizing member disposed on the base and extending up abovethe inner surface of the floor panel to inhibit transverse movement ofthe lid relative to the base at the terminal edge of the lid. Thehousing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing. The rodent management station further comprises atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The housing further hasinternal structure configured to partition the interior space of thehousing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced from the entryopening of the housing, and a pathway leading from the at least oneentry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber. A rodent trap isdisposed at least in part within the bait chamber. At least a portion ofthe trap extending from the bait chamber outward through the entrywaythereof into the pathway.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The housing further hasinternal structure configured to partition the interior space of thehousing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced from the entryopening of the housing, and a pathway leading from the at least oneentry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber. A rodent trap isdisposed at least in part within the bait chamber. Rodent bait isdisposed within the bait chamber separate from the rodent trap.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing, the base having at least one upstanding sidewall. Thehousing has at least one entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing. A rodent trap is positionable within theinterior space of the housing. The rodent trap is configured forreleasable connection with the at least one upstanding wall of the base.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The base has an upstanding wall. The housing has at leastone entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of thehousing. A rodent trap is positionable within the interior space of thehousing. A trap placement member is positionable within the interiorspace of the housing in releasable connection with the upstanding wallof the housing. The trap placement member is configured for aligning therodent trap at a predetermined location within the interior space of thehousing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The base has an innersurface at least in part defining an interior floor of the housing. Abait support is positionable within the interior space of the housingand configured for supporting bait above the floor of the housing. Thebait support is further configured for releasable connection with atleast one of the base and the lid.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The base has an innersurface at least in part defining an interior floor of the housing. Abait support is disposed within the interior space of the housing out ofcontact with the floor of the housing and is configured for supportingbait above the floor of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The base has an innersurface at least in part defining an interior floor of the housing. Abait support is positionable within the interior space of the housingand configured for supporting bait above the floor of the housing, thebait. A height adjustment member is configured for selective adjustmentof the height of the bait support above the floor of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. The base has an innersurface at least in part defining an interior floor of the housing. Aplurality of bait blocks are provided and at least one bait support ispositionable within the interior space of the housing and is configuredfor supporting the bait blocks in spaced relationship with the floor ofthe housing with the bait blocks collectively arranged in a generallyhorizontal line.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. A live trap ispositionable entirely within the interior space of the housing. The livetrap has an entry opening through which rodents enter the live trap. Thelive trap is configured for disposition within the interior space of thehousing with the live trap entry opening out of directional alignmentwith the at least one opening of the housing in the closed configurationof the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing having at least one opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. A live trap ispositionable entirely within the interior space of the housing in theclosed configuration thereof. The live trap has an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the live trap. A first trap mechanism ispositionable in the live trap for trapping rodents within the live trap.A second trap mechanism is provided that is different from the firsttrap mechanism and positionable in the live trap in place of the firsttrap mechanism for trapping rodents within the live trap. The live trapand trap mechanisms are configured for releasable securement of therespective first and second trap mechanisms in the live trap to permitinterchangeable use of the first and second trap mechanisms in the livetrap.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. A live trappositionable entirely within the interior space of the housing in theclosed configuration thereof is provided. The live trap has an entryopening through which rodents enter the live trap. The live trapincludes a trap mechanism releasably positionable in the live trap fortrapping rodents within the live trap. The live trap has an accessopening and an access panel positionable between a closed position inwhich the access opening is closed and an opened position. The trapmechanism is serviceable, insertable into and removable from the livetrap through the access opening in the opened position of the accesspanel.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. A live trappositionable entirely within the interior space of the housing in theclosed configuration thereof is provided. The live trap comprises a trapportion in which rodents are trapped within the live trap, and an inletportion in open communication with and extending outward from the trapportion of the live trap. The inlet portion has an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the live trap for trapping within the trap portionthereof. The trap portion of the live trap has at least one vent openingsized substantially smaller than the live trap entry opening to permitfluid communication between the interior of the trap portion of the livetrap and the interior space of the housing.

In another aspect, a rodent management system comprises a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing. The lid is positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing. The housing has at least one opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing. A live trappositionable entirely within the interior space of the housing in theclosed configuration thereof is provided. The live trap has a top and abottom and comprising a trap portion in which rodents are trapped withinthe live trap, an inlet portion in open communication with and extendingoutward from the trap portion of the live trap. The inlet portion has anentry opening through which rodents enter the live trap, a trapmechanism disposed at least in part within the inlet portion of the livetrap in spaced relationship with the entry opening of the live trap, anda plurality of blocking members depending from the top of the live trapat the inlet portion and arranged in longitudinally spaced relationshipalong the inlet portion to inhibit rodents trapped within the live trapagainst manipulating the trap mechanism to escape from the trap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rodent managementstation in a closed configuration;

FIG. 1B is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rodent management station of FIG. 1in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the rodent management station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 5A is a right side elevation thereof;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation thereof;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the rodent management stationof FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view thereof with bait positioned horizontallyin the station;

FIG. 11 is a right side elevation view of the rodent management stationwith bait positioned horizontally in the station;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of the rodent management stationwith bait positioned horizontally in the station;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 but with a baitpositioned vertically in the station;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a cross-section taken in the place of line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged area of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of bait blocks positioned on a baitsupport device;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a snap trap for use in the rodentmanagement station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the rodent management station of FIG. 1with the snap trap of FIG. 18 positioned therein;

FIG. 21 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the rodent management station of FIG. 1in an open configuration and with a live trap and bait positionedtherein;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the rodent management station arrangementof FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the live trap of the rodent managementstation arrangement of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 27 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 28 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 28-28 of FIG. 27and illustrating a ramp gate trap mechanism;

FIG. 29 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 28 with a swinging gate trapmechanism;

FIG. 30 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 28 but illustrating a funneltrap mechanism;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the swinging gate of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the funnel of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a key being used to unlock the lid fromthe base of the rodent management station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 34 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 34-34 of FIG. 33and illustrating a locking mechanism used to secure the base to the lidof the rodent management station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the key of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the key engaging the locking mechanism,with portions of the station broken away for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rodentmanagement station in an open configuration;

FIG. 38A is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 40 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a bait support device for use in therodent management station of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bait supportdevice including a bait pin;

FIG. 43 is a right side elevation view of the bait pin of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the bait support device of FIG. 42utilizing an alternative bait pin;

FIG. 46 is a front elevation of the bait pin of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the bait support device of FIG. 45 withbait blocks positioned on the bait pin;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the bait support device of FIGS. 42 and45 with the bait pin omitted;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 50 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 51 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a spacer for use with the rodentmanagement station of FIG. 38.

FIG. 53 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 54 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 55 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a live trap forwith the rodent management stations of FIG. 1 and FIG. 38;

FIG. 57 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 58 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 59 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 59-59 of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the live trap of FIG. 56 with anotherembodiment of a trap mechanism positioned therein;

FIG. 61 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 62 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 62-62 of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the live trap of FIG. 56 with anotherembodiment of a trap mechanism positioned therein;

FIG. 64 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 65 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 65-65 of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a rear perspective view of the live trap of FIG. 56;

FIG. 67 is a rear elevation thereof;

FIG. 68 is a right side elevation thereof;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the live trap ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 70 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 71 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bait supportdevice for use with the rodent management station of FIG. 38, with baitblocks shown in phantom;

FIG. 73 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 74 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bait supportdevice for use with the rodent management station of FIG. 38, with baitblocks shown in phantom;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 77 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 78 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 79 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a rodent managementstation in a closed configuration;

FIG. 80 is a front elevation thereof;

FIG. 81 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 82 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 84 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 84-84 of FIG. 80;

FIG. 85 is a top plan view of a bait support device for use with therodent management station of FIG. 79;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 87 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a bait supportdevice for use with the rodent management station of FIG. 79;

FIG. 88 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 89 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 90 is a front elevation of the rodent management station of FIG. 79in an open configuration;

FIG. 91 is a right side elevation thereof;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view thereof;

FIG. 93 is top plan view thereof;

FIG. 94 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 94-94 in FIG. 82;

FIG. 95 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 95-95 in FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is a top plan view of the rodent management station of FIG. 79in the open configuration;

FIG. 97 is cross-section taken in the plane of line 97-97 in FIG. 96;

FIG. 98 is a perspective view of the rodent management station of FIG.96;

FIG. 99 is a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a rodent managementstation;

FIG. 100 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 100-100 in FIG.99;

FIG. 101 is a top plan view of the rodent management station of FIG. 99in an open configuration;

FIG. 102 is a cross-section taken in the plane of line 102-102 in FIG.101;

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of the rodent management station of FIG.99;

FIG. 104 is a right side elevation of a bait support in the form of awire for supporting bait blocks in either the third or fourthembodiments of the rodent management station;

FIG. 105 is a left side elevation thereof;

FIG. 106 is a rear elevation thereof; and

FIG. 107 is a perspective view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, oneembodiment of a rodent management system generally comprises a rodentmanagement station, which is indicated generally at 100 and includes ahousing having an interior space and at least one and more suitably twoentry openings 102 formed therein through which rodents enter theinterior space of the station. The rodent management station 100 is of amodular design, permitting a plurality of selective bait and/or trapconfigurations as will be described in further detail later herein.

The rodent management station 100 generally comprises a base 104 and alid 106 (together broadly defining the station housing) that isreleasably connectable to the base for positioning relative to the basebetween an opened configuration and a closed configuration of thestation. In the closed configuration (FIG. 1), the lid 106 and base 104together form a substantially enclosed interior space, with the entryopenings 102 disposed in opposite sides of the station 100, and moreparticularly in opposite sides of the lid 106 in the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 1.

In accordance with one suitable embodiment, the entry openings 102 aresuitably sized and configured to facilitate a feeling of comfort torodents that approach and partially enter the station 100 housing toentice the rodent to further enter the station. Each entry opening 102of the illustrated embodiment (with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B) has agenerally one-quarter circle shape or one-quarter circle ellipse. Inparticular, the entry opening 102 has a top 105, a bottom 107, a heightH and a width W, with the width of the entry opening being substantiallygreater at the bottom of the opening than at the top thereof. Inparticular, the width W of the entry opening 102 decreases as theopening extends upward from the bottom 107 of the opening. Additionally,the entry opening 102 has a maximum width (e.g., where the width W ofthe opening is greatest along the height H thereof) and a maximum height(e.g., where the height of the opening is greatest along the widththereof) with the maximum width of the opening is greater than themaximum height of the opening.

In the opened configuration (FIG. 2), the lid 106 is generallypositioned at least in part away from the base to provide access to theinterior space of the rodent management station 100 for maintenance ofthe station such as, without limitation, replenishing bait supply,inspecting the rodent management station 100, placing and/or resettingtraps, and clearing debris from the rodent management station 100. Thebase 104 and lid 106 may be suitably fabricated from any number ofmaterials, most suitably plastic or other weather resistant material.For example, the base 104 and lid 106 may be formed in an injectionmolding process used for producing parts from thermoplastic orthermosetting plastic materials. It is understood, however, that thebase 104 and lid 106 may be constructed of metal or other suitablematerials, and that the base and the lid may be constructed of differentmaterials from each other, without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

The lid 106 is suitably hinged to the base 104, such as by a livinghinge 108 (or a plurality of living hinges) in which a continuous pieceof material formed integrally with the lid and base (as in theillustrated embodiments) defines the hinge, a mechanical hinge or othersuitable hinge configuration to permit hinged movement of the lidbetween the opened and closed configurations of the station whilemaintaining connection of the lid with the base to inhibit loss of thelid during servicing of the rodent management station 100. It isunderstood that the lid 106 may be attached to the base 104 other thanby a hinge and remain within the scope of this invention. It alsocontemplated that the lid 106 may be entirely separable from the base104 without departing from the scope of this invention. In the closedconfiguration of the station 100, the lid 106 and base 104 are furtherreleasably held together by a suitable locking mechanism 142 describedlater herein to inhibit unauthorized or unintended opening of the rodentmanagement station 100. Additionally, more than one locking mechanismmay used to releasably hold together the lid 106 and base 104 in theclosed configuration of the station 100.

The illustrated lid 106 suitably comprises laterally opposite side walls110 that broadly define opposite sides of the rodent management station100, a front wall 136 broadly defining a front of the rodent managementstation and a top wall 137 broadly defining a top of the rodentmanagement station. In the illustrated embodiment the side walls 110,top wall 137 and front wall 136 of the lid 106 together define agenerally quarter-dome shape although the top wall 137 is slightlyflattened as it approaches the base 104. It is understood, however, thatthe lid 106 may be shaped other than as illustrated without departingfrom the scope of this invention, and that in alternative embodimentsthe base may instead, or additionally define one or more the sides ofthe rodent management station and/or the front of the station. The sidewalls 110, top wall 137 and front wall 136 of the lid are formedintegrally in the illustrated embodiment, such as by being molded as asingle piece. However one or more of these walls may be formed separatefrom the others and connected thereto such as by welding, fastening,adhering or other suitable connection technique. Additionally, the lid106 may in some embodiments be configured to have only three sides(rather than the four-sided lid 106), and be of a generally wedge-likeshape.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 106 further comprises interior panels112 (broadly, partition structure) depending therefrom to partition theenclosed interior space of the rodent management station 100 into asuitable layout for rodent management. These interior panels 112 may bemolded together with other lid components (e.g., the top wall 137, sidewalls 110, and/or front wall 136) or formed separate therefrom andconnected thereto by adhesive, welding, fastening or other suitableattachment technique.

As illustrated in the top plan view of FIG. 3, the base 104 and lid 106are substantially similar in their length and width, although either thelid 106 or base 104 may have a slightly larger or smaller length orwidth without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As seen bestin the front elevation view of FIG. 4 and the side elevation view ofFIG. 5A, the height of the rodent management station 100 may suitablyvary over its length and/or width with the height decreasing as the lid106 transitions from the top wall thereof into the front wall and thenextends down to the base 104, such as where the lid is hinged to thebase. This sloping profile of the lid 106 facilitates drainage of water,ice, or snow from the outer surface of the lid 106, thus inhibitingstagnation of such elements on the rodent management station and/orentry of water into the station.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the base 104 comprises afloor panel, or bottom panel 114, having a circumference, an outersurface 120 which broadly (at least in part) defines a bottom of thehousing and more particularly of the rodent management station 100, andan inner surface or floor on which rodents move within the interiorspace of the station. As used herein, the bottom of the housing (andhence the rodent management station 100) refers to the portion orportions of the housing that contact a planar surface when the stationis set on such planar surface. Thus, it is understood that the entireouter surface 120 of the bottom panel 114 need not rest on such a planarsurface.

In one embodiment, the base 104 also has at least one upstanding wall116 (otherwise referred to herein as an upstanding sidewall or rearwall) extending upward relative to the bottom panel 114 aboutsubstantially less than the entire circumference of the bottom panel.Such an arrangement permits (with all internal traps removed from thehousing) debris to be easily swept off of the floor of the housing whenthe lid 106 is opened for servicing, e.g., without having to reach intothe station and remove debris or tilt or turn over the base 104 of therodent management station. For example, the circumferential extent ofthe upstanding wall 116 according to one embodiment is such that acontinuous circumferential segment of at least about 25 percent of thebottom panel 114 is free from enclosure by the at least one upstandingwall. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8 the at least oneupstanding wall comprises an upstanding rear wall 116 of the base(thereby also defining a rear of the housing and more particularly ofthe rodent management station 100) extending solely along the rearextent of the floor panel 114.

It is understood, however, that a greater extent of the circumference ofthe floor panel 114 may have one or more upstanding walls extendingupward therefrom. For example, the floor panel 114 may be circumscribedon generally three sides thereof with one side remaining unenclosed byan upstanding wall, or a pair of upstanding walls may be disposed onopposite sides (e.g., front and rear, or laterally opposite sides) ofthe floor panel without departing from the scope of this invention. Thefloor panel 114 and upstanding or rear wall 116 of this embodiment aresuitably formed integral, such as by molding them as a single piece,although these components may be formed separate and connected by anysuitable connection technique.

In one suitable embodiment, the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel114 (e.g., the floor of the housing) tapers, or slopes downward from acentral region of the inner surface toward at least the laterallyopposite sides of the housing (e.g., where the side walls of the lidgenerally abut the bottom panel). In the illustrated embodiment theinner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 remains relatively planar asis extends from the central region thereof to the front of the station100. However, it is also contemplated that additionally, or instead, atleast a portion of the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 maytaper or slope downward from the central region thereof toward the frontof the housing (e.g., where the front wall of the lid abuts or is hingedto the bottom panel). Providing such a slope or taper to the innersurface 118 of the bottom panel 114 facilitates water drainage off ofthe bottom panel and out of the rodent management station 100 shouldwater enter the interior space of the housing. In one embodiment, thetaper of the inner surface of the bottom panel 114 may be achieved byvarying the thickness of the bottom panel, with the central region ofthe bottom panel having the greatest thickness and the thicknessgradually tapering down toward the perimeter of the bottom panel.However the inner surface 118 taper may be achieved other than byvarying the thickness of the bottom and remain within the scope of thisinvention. To further facilitate drainage of water out of the rodentmanagement station 100, small gaps or notches (not shown) may formed inthe lid and/or the bottom panel 114 where the lid 106 abuts theperimeter of the bottom panel 114.

While the inner surface 118 tapers and thus varies in elevation relativeto the bottom of the station 100 housing, in one embodiment the entireinner surface of the bottom panel 114 suitably has a minimum heightabove the bottom of the station housing, such as at least about 0.1inches, and more suitably at least about 0.2 inches, to inhibit watersurrounding the station from entering the station. In the illustratedembodiment, the bottom panel 114 has a peripheral skirt 115 having aheight according to the suitable minimum height of the inner surface 118of the bottom panel above the bottom of the station 100 housing.

As seen best in FIGS. 8 and 12, the bottom panel 114 has a pair of lowprofile (e.g., low height) pins or nubs 122 (broadly, stabilizingmembers) extending upward therefrom generally adjacent the perimeter ofthe bottom panel at each of the laterally opposite sides thereof. Forexample, the nubs 122 may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches in heightaccording to some embodiments. Corresponding locating members, such asin the general form of posts 125 (FIG. 14), are attached to (and aremore suitably formed integral with) the inner surface of the lid 106,with each post having a bore 124 extending into the lower end thereoffor receiving a respective one of the locating nubs 122 upon closing thelid. Thus, as the lid 106 is closed, the locating members (e.g., posts125) are lowered down over the nubs 122. The nubs 122 seat within thebores 124 of the respective posts 125 when the lid 106 is fully closed.In this manner, the nubs stabilize the lid on the base, i.e., byproviding increased resistance to the side walls 110 of the lid (andhence the rodent management station 100) flexing, bending, or otherwisebeing pushed inward relative to the bottom panel 114 of the base 104.

The nubs 122, in one embodiment, are suitably low enough to facilitatethe sweeping of the housing floor (e.g., the inner surface 118 of thebottom panel 114) by a broom or other suitable cleaning device in agenerally continuous movement—such as starting from the laterally off ofone side of the bottom panel, across the inner surface thereof—and thenoff the opposite side of the bottom panel. Additionally, it should beunderstood that the nubs 122 may be reduced in number or altogethereliminated without departing from the scope of the embodiments. It isthus noted that the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 is thussuitably free from surface discontinuities that would otherwise impedethe movement of the broom, cleaning brush or other cleaning device. Theterm discontinuity as used in this manner refers to upstanding structurethat extends up from the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 aheight greater than about 1 cm, and/or an abrupt (e.g., step) change inelevation (up or down) of the inner surface of the bottom panel ofgreater than about 1 cm. This facilitates sweeping or brushing debrisfrom the bottom panel without the cleaning device being impeded by anysuch discontinuities and without debris getting caught or trapped bysuch discontinuities.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the outer (or under) surface 120 of thebottom panel 114 has a plurality of ribs 126 extending longitudinally(e.g., front-to-back) and defining inset grooves or channels (broadly,cavities) between the ribs as well as additional inset void space. Uponapplying adhesive to the outer surface 120 for securing the rodentmanagement station 100, and more particularly the base 104 to the groundor other mounting surface, adhesive more readily spreads up into thegrooves and other voids spaces to enhance the bonding between the baseand the mounting surface. The ribs 126 provide additional surface areafor the adhesive and also provide structural rigidity to the bottompanel 114 of the base 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities(i.e., the grooves and other void spaces between the ribs 126) areclosed at their longitudinal ends near (but otherwise in spacedrelationship with) the perimeter of the bottom panel 114 of the base104, such as at the front and rear of the bottom panel, thus preventingthe seepage of adhesive out from the base and inhibiting water and dirtfrom getting in underneath the bottom panel of the base.

In other embodiments, a variety of configurations of the ribs 126 may beutilized. For example, the ribs 126 may extend from the rear wall 116inward and then curve and return to the rear wall 116, thus definingcavities that are at least in part arcuate. In other embodiments theribs 126 may be configured in discrete blocks, thus allowing for greaterdispersion of adhesives used to bond the rodent management station 100to the ground or mounting surface. Furthermore, at least some of theribs 126 may extend to or through (i.e., the ribs have open ends) theperimeter of the bottom panel 114. Moreover, the shapes of the cavitiesformed by the ribs 126 may vary (e.g., one cavity may be rectangular orelongate while another is semi-circular or circular. The ribs 126 mayalso be configured such that two or more cavities are of differentsizes, e.g., with one cavity or channel having a size (e.g., a length,width and/or cross-section) and another cavity or channel having agreater size.

The bottom panel 114 of the base 104 is also suitably constructed todefine predetermined bore locations 128 at which a bore is to be formed(if desired) in the bottom panel such as with a drill, a punch tool, orother suitable device to facilitate mounting the housing (e.g., andhence the rodent management station 100) on a mounting surface. Inparticular, suitable fasteners (not shown) may be inserted through suchbores in the bottom panel 114 and into the underlying mounting surfaceto additionally, or alternatively, secure the base 104 to the mountingsurface. In the illustrated embodiment, circular ribs 129 (broadly,“guide structure”) are formed on the outer surface 120 of the bottompanel 114 to identify the predetermined bore locations 128 to at leastsubstantially circumscribe each bore location and more suitably encircleeach predetermined bore location. The circular ribs 129 also reinforcethe bottom panel 114 at the bore locations 128 and define additionalvoid space to retain adhesive used to mount the rodent managementstation 100 to the mounting surface. More than one circular rib 129 maybe disposed at each predetermined bore location 128, such is concentricarrangement with each other. In this arrangement, a first circular ribhaving a first diameter is encircled by a second circular rib having asecond diameter greater than the first diameter. The first circular riband second circular rib are further in a spaced relationship.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 16, the upstanding rearwall 116 of the illustrated base 104 is suitably of a multiple wallconstruction and in this instance a double wall construction. Inparticular, the rear wall 116 comprises an inner panel 117 that in partdefines the interior space of the station 100 housing and an outer panel119 in generally opposed, spaced relationship with the inner panel todefine a gap or open space 123 therebetween. A connecting panel 121,such as in the form of a top panel and opposite end panels in theillustrated embodiment, spans and more suitably connects the inner andouter panels 117, 119 to substantially enclose the gap or open spacebetween the inner and outer panels. At least one of the inner and outerpanels 117, 119, and more suitably each of the inner and outer panels,has a lower edge at least a portion of which and more suitably entirelyis at the bottom of the housing 100 (e.g., the inner and outer panelsmay be co-terminal at the bottom of the housing).

The top panel of the rear wall 116 suitably defines a relatively planaror flat shelf (broadly, an upper edge) along the top of the rear wall.The lid 106 is suitably configured (e.g., relatively flat) along an edgemargin where the lid overlays the top of the rear wall so the lid laysflat down against the shelf in the closed configuration of the rodentmanagement station 100. Such an arrangement provides increasedresistance to crushing of the lid 106 by a downward directed force, suchas by someone inadvertently stepping on the rodent management station100 or dropping a heavy object on the rodent management station. As oneexample, the flat shelf formed by the top panel of the rear wall 116 insuitable embodiment has a maximum width in the range of about 0.5 cm toabout 5.0 cm. It is understood, however, that the width of the toppanel, and hence of the shelf formed thereby, may vary along the lengthof the top panel. It is also understood that the maximum width of thetop panel may be other than within the above range without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

In a particularly suitable embodiment as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 16,the outer panel 119 of the rear wall 116 includes an upper edge that isdisposed slightly above the top panel thereof (as well as above an upperedge of the inner panel 117) so that in the closed configuration of therodent management station 100 (see FIG. 5) the edge of the lid 106 abutsor is at least in closely spaced relationship with the portion of theouter panel that extends above the top panel thereof to inhibit aperson's fingers or tools against insertion between the lid 106 and thebase 104 to unintentionally open the station 100. As is also illustratedin FIG. 2, the outer panel 119 also extends slightly outward of each ofthe end panels of the rear wall 116 with the lid 106 being configuredsuch that the edge of the lid abuts or is at least in closely spacedrelationship with the outward extending portion of the outer panel.

The rear wall 116 (i.e., the upstanding wall of the base 104) and moresuitably the top panel thereof, and even more suitably the top panel andend panels thereof in one embodiment, has at least one gutter (e.g., achannel) 135, disposed therein and extending along at least a portion ofthe upper edge defined by the top panel. In the illustrated embodiment,for example, a respective gutter 135 extends from generally adjacenteach transverse side of the locking mechanism along the upper edgedefined by the top panel and down along the end panels of the rear wallall the way to where the rear wall meets the bottom panel 114. Thisgutter 135 arrangement facilitates the run-off of water that gets intothe station via the locking mechanism or between the lid 106 and therear wall 116. Additionally, as illustrated best in FIG. 10, the cornerat the juncture of the upstanding rear wall 116 (and more suitably theinner panel thereof) with the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114is substantially rounded to further facilitate water entering the rodentmanagement station to run along this corner to the sides of the stationfor exiting the station at the entry openings 102.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, one or more drain holes 127disposed in the top panel of the rear wall 116 and more suitably alongthe gutter 135 in spaced relationship with each other to facilitatedrainage of water from the rear wall down between the inner and outerpanels of the rear wall (i.e., away from the interior space of thehousing).

With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 8, the upstanding rear wall 116 ofthe base 104 and more suitably the outer panel 119 of the rear wall inthe multiple construction of the illustrated embodiment, may include atleast one and more suitably two or more mounting ports 130 separate fromthe rodent entry openings 102. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in oneembodiment the outer panel 119 has a pair of mounting ports 130 disposedtherein in spaced relationship with each other and in horizontalalignment with each other. It is understood, however, that the pair ofmounting ports 130 may alternatively be in vertical (e.g., top abovebottom) relationship with each other and remain within the scope of thisinvention. Providing at least a pair of mounting ports 130 permits strapor cable-type fasteners to be used to secure the base 104 to a mountingsurface such as a post, slat or chain-link fence.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, a movable closure 131 isremovably connected to the outer panel 119 of the rear wall 116 at eachrespective mounting port 130. For example, the movable closure 131 isremovable from the outer panel 119 to expose a respective one of themounting ports 130. More suitably, the movable closure 131 comprises afrangible closure such as a knock-out plate. It is understood, however,that the closures 131 may be omitted such that the mounting ports 130are permanently open.

The rear wall 116 of the base 104 includes an inner panel 117 or surfacehaving elongate, vertically extending slots 132 formed therein. Theslots 132 are spaced laterally apart from each other along the innersurface of the rear wall 116, and may be of uniform length but moresuitably are of varying lengths with some slots 132 being longer thanothers. Each of the slots 132 is open at the top of the rear wall 116and extends down to a location generally intermediate the top and bottomof the rear wall (for the shorter slots) or to adjacent the bottom ofthe rear wall (e.g., just above the inner surface of the bottom panel,for the longer slots).

With reference back to FIG. 2, the interior panels 112 (i.e., theinternal partition structure) depending from the lid 106 are suitablyconfigured to depend into abutting or closely spaced relationship withthe inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 of the base 104 when thelid is closed. These interior panels 112 thus provide additional crushresistance to the lid, such as upon a downward force being applied tothe lid. The interior panels 112 also partition the interior space ofthe housing into a generally central bait chamber 138 (e.g., above thecentral region of the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114) and apair of generally curved pathways 103 that are defined at least in partby the interior panels. These pathways 103 each extend away from therespective entry opening 102 and lead to the bait chamber 138. Anentryway to the bait chamber 138 is also defined at least in part by theinterior panels 112. More particularly, in the illustrated embodimentthe pathways 103 are defined by the interior panels 112 and by the lid106. The pathways 103 together form a single open passageway 109 thatextends from one entry opening 102, around to adjacent the front of thestation 100, past the entryway to the bait chamber 138 and back aroundto the opposite entry opening. The tortuous passageway 109 preventsrodents entering the rodent management station 100 at the entry openings102 from traveling straight through the rodent management station 100from one entry opening to the other.

The central bait chamber 138 is suitably defined in part by the interiorpanels 112 and in part by the inner panel 117 of the rear wall 116. Asuitable trap mechanism and/or bait may be positioned within the centralbait chamber 138, with the interior panels 112 restricting access to thebait chamber, i.e., by omitting direct access to the bait chamber fromthe entry openings 102 in the rodent management station. Thus,non-targeted animals (e.g., dogs or cats) and unauthorized individuals(e.g., children) cannot easily reach through the entry openings 102 intothe bait chamber when the lid is closed.

The interior panels 112 in one suitable embodiment have one or morethrough-openings 141 formed therein, and more suitably disposed indirectional alignment with each of the entry openings 102 as illustratedin FIG. 5. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the one or morethrough-openings 141 comprise a plurality of elongate, verticallyextending slots 143 formed in the interior panels 112 to define aplurality of slats, or baffles 140 in directional alignment with theentry openings 102. As used herein, the term “directional alignment” isintended to mean the general direction of travel or viewing through theentry opening 102, such as a straight line through the center of theentry opening. The slots 143 are suitably sized large enough to permitlight to enter the rodent management station 100 while still sizedsubstantially smaller than the entry openings 102 so as to inhibitrodents from passing through the slots. In the illustrated embodiment inwhich the rodent management station 100 has two laterally opposite entryopenings 102, the slots 143 also allow light to pass through the entirerodent management station 100 so that a rodent can see straight throughthe station through the entry openings.

These slots 143 also provide open communication between the pathways andthe central bait chamber 138 so that the rodent is able to better smell(due to air flow through the rodent management station 100) bait in thebait chamber 138 from the exterior of the station and upon entry intothe station as the rodent is routed along the pathway 103. It isunderstood that additional through-openings may be provided along alonger segment of the pathway 103 from the entry opening 102 to theentryway of the bait chamber 138, including along the entire pathway. Itis also understood that the through-openings 141 may be other than inthe form of slots, such as perforations, holes or other suitableopenings that may or may not extend to the bottom edge of the interiorpanels 112. The interior panels 112 may also include a plurality ofgussets 113 (FIG. 2) or webs where the interior panels 112 adjoin thelid 106 to provide additional strength and rigidity to the lid and tothe interior panels.

Upon entering the rodent management station 100 through one of theopenings 102 and traveling along the passageway 109, the rodent is ableto enter the bait chamber 138 via the entryway defined by the interiorpanels 112. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the height of thebait chamber 138 (e.g., the vertical distance from the inner surface ofthe bottom panel 114 of the base 104 to the inner surface of the topwall 137 of the lid 106) is sufficient to permit the rodent to ingestbait while in a generally upright, seated position as is typicallypreferred by rodents. For example, while the height of the bait chamber138 in one embodiment may be non-uniform due to the taper of the lid106, the bait chamber 138 suitably has a maximum height of about 5.7inches.

While not visible in the drawings, in some embodiments at least aportion of the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 of the station100 housing (i.e., the floor of the housing) may be textured to increasetraction and thus facilitate the movement of rodents thereon. Thetexturing may be formed integral with the inner surface 118 of thebottom panel 114, or applied to the inner surface. For example, in onesuitable embodiment the texturing may comprise a plurality of elongategrooves and/or a plurality of elongate bumps formed in or on the innersurface 118 of the bottom panel 114 of the base 104. More suitably, suchgrooves and/or bumps may extend across all or part of the inner surface118 of the bottom panel 114 in directional alignment with the entryopenings 102 of the station 100 housing, e.g., transversely orside-to-side in the illustrated embodiment. Because rodents entering thestation 100 housing at one of the entry openings 102 will move along oneof the pathways in a generally back to front direction, arranging thegrooves and/or bumps in this manner results in these grooves and/orbumps extending generally cross-wise to the direction in which rodentsmove along the pathway, thus providing additional traction for suchmovement.

It is contemplated that the texturing need not be present over theentire inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 to remain within thescope of this invention. For example, in one embodiment the texturingmay be disposed only along the pathways leading from the entry openings102 to the entryway of the bait chamber 138, while the bottom panelinner surface 118 within the bait chamber is substantially untextured.It is also understood that texturing other than in the form of groovesand/or elongate bumps may be used, in addition to or as an alternativeto such grooves and/or bumps. For example, texturing such as knurling,dimples and/or discrete bumps, particulate material molded into thebottom panel or adhered to the inner surface thereof, or other suitabletexturing may be used within the scope of this invention.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 33-37, the locking mechanism 142releasably secures (i.e., interlocks) the lid 106 and base 104 togetherin the closed configuration of the station 100, thereby inhibitingunauthorized or unintended opening of the rodent management station 100.In a particularly suitable embodiment, the locking mechanism 142, base104 and lid 106 are further configured so that the locking mechanism issubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the station 100 to inhibitrain and snow from entering the rodent management station 100 at thelocking mechanism or otherwise inhibiting access to the lockingmechanism. The locking mechanism 142 comprises a generally U-shaped lockmember 148 having resilient, upstanding members 149 terminating inrespective catches 151 (broadly, “catch members”). The lock member 148may be coupled to either a portion of the lid 106 or a portion of thebase 104. The catches 151 have at least one notch formed therein toreceive the upstanding members 149. The upstanding members 149 are alsooutwardly biased.

The lock member 148 has depending support members 153 which are attachedto the rear wall 116 of the base so that the lock member 148 extendsvertically within the rodent management station 100. Correspondinglatches 150 are formed on the underside of the lid 106 and dependtherefrom for latching engagement with the catches of the lock memberwhen the lid is closed to releasably secure the lid in its closedconfiguration. Alternatively, the lock member 148 may be attached to thelid 106 and the latches 150 mounted on the rear wall 116 withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. The locking mechanism 142,in one embodiment, is positioned above an opening in the top panel ofthe rear wall 116 of the base 104. Water that reaches the lockingmechanism 142 through the lid 106 is thus directed into the openings anddown within the rear wall away from the locking mechanism (and henceother than into the housing and in particular into the bait chamber 138.

To unlock the locking mechanism 142 a key 152 (FIG. 36) (broadly, a“tool”) having a pair of laterally spaced prongs 162 (broadly, an“insertion portion”) is inserted through a pair of keyholes 154 (FIG. 4)(broadly, “openings”) in the lid 106 into engagement with the upstandingmembers 149 of the lock member 148 as illustrated in FIG. 35. Thekeyholes 154 are in a generally vertical orientation (broadly, a “firstorientation”). The spacing of the prongs applies a squeezing force tothe laterally spaced upstanding members 149 to urge the catches 151 ofthe lock member 148 toward each other and away from the latches 150 tothereby allow the lid 106 to be opened. A handle 164 of the key 152 issuitably angled relative to the prongs so the handle does not lieagainst the lid (i.e., it angles up away from the lid at e.g., between10 degrees and 60 degrees) when the prongs are inserted into thekeyholes 154 as illustrated in FIG. 33 to facilitate gripping the handleduring unlocking and opening of the lid.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 33, the lid 106 suitably has a guidechannel 144 formed in its outer surface to facilitate guidance of thekey 152 and more particularly the prongs thereof into the keyholes 154.The guide channel 144 in one embodiment has a width sized for a slidingfit of the prong portion of the key 152 therein, i.e., the guide channel144 has a maximum width that is suitably no greater than and is moresuitably less than a maximum width of the key 152. The relatively tightfit of the key 152 within the guide channel 144 and the lockingmechanism 142 (along with the angled handle, allows the key 152 (i.e.,the tool) to be used as a handle for lifting the lid 106 to the closedconfiguration of the station 100. The guide channel 144 also has aterminal end (broadly, a “proximal end”) that is generally adjacent toat least one of the keyholes 154 and an entry end (a “distal end”)spaced from the terminal end. The guide channel 144 has a first depth atthe terminal (i.e., proximal) end and a second depth at the entry endthat is substantially less than the first depth (e.g., the depth of theguide channel increases as it approaches the keyholes 154). In use, theprongs are set down against the lid within the channel 144, such as ator near the entry end of the guide channel, and then slid along thechannel such that the sides of the channel properly align the prongswith the keyholes 154 for proper insertion of the prongs into thekeyholes.

In a particularly suitable embodiment, the guide channel 144 is formedin the lid 106 to be at least in part horizontally oriented (e.g.,whereas the keyholes 154 are generally vertically oriented) and moresuitably to slope downward away from the keyholes 154 to direct waterthat lands on the lid away from the keyholes 154, and thus inhibitmoisture from flowing into the keyholes. The lid 106 is furtherconfigured to have a cover panel 146 (broadly, a cover) disposed abovethe keyholes 154 and extending out over at least a portion of and moresuitably the whole of each of the keyholes. The cover 146 in thisembodiment is thus in generally opposed, spaced relationship with theguide channel 144 adjacent and at the terminal end of the guide channel144, such as in a generally horizontal orientation. In this orientation,the cover panel 146 extends in an orientation different from theorientation of the keyholes so that the keyholes are substantiallycovered against direct contact by falling rain and snow and the coverpanel 146 inhibits moisture on the lid 106 or base 104 from entering thehousing. It is understood, however, that the cover panel 146 may beconfigured other than as illustrated and described herein withoutdeparting from the scope of this embodiment.

To further facilitate water (e.g., rain) management as well as tofacilitate opening of the lid 106 while remaining hinged to the base104, the hinge has a hinge axis that is located on the station 100housing higher than the bottom of the station housing as seen forexample in FIG. 8. More suitably, the hinge axis is located on thestation 100 housing higher than the inner surface 118 of the bottom orfloor panel 114 of the base 104. For example, in one suitable embodimentthe hinge axis is located on the station 100 housing about 2.5 mm toabout 25 mm above the inner surface 118 of the bottom or floor panel 114of the base 104. As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the hinge axis islocated substantially lower than the upper edge of the rear wall 116 ofthe base 104, such as nearer in height to the inner surface 118 of thebottom or floor panel 114 than to the upper edge of the rear wall of thebase.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 10 and 13, bait such as baitblocks 156 (FIGS. 10 and 13), is disposed within the bait chamber 138and more suitably toward the back of the bait chamber generally adjacentthe rear wall of the base 104. Many different types of bait areavailable, and their general compositions and principles of operationare well known in the art. Such baits may solely comprise a rodentattractant and others may additionally, or alternatively, comprise oneor more toxins intended to kill the rodents.

Suitable bait supports 158 are used within the rodent management station100 for positioning and retaining the bait within the bait chamber 138,and more suitably for supporting such bait in spaced relationship abovethe floor of the housing (e.g., above the inner surface 118 of thebottom panel 114). In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of baitblocks 156 are mounted on a “skewer” 160, or wire support which in turnis supported by the bait supports in a horizontal orientation. Theskewer 160 passes through a hole in each of the bait blocks 156—the holebeing centrally located in the bait block although the hole need not becentrally located to remain with the scope of this invention. It is alsounderstood that the bait may be other than in the shape of a block orcube without departing from the scope of this invention. The skewer 160is sized to extend longitudinally outward beyond the opposite ends of arow of bait blocks 156. In particular, one end of the skewer 160 isformed in the manner of a loop or eyelet, the purpose of which willbecome apparent, while the opposite end of the skewer remainssubstantially straight.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the rodent management station 100 and inparticular the rear wall 116 and the bait supports 158 are configuredsuch that multiple skewers may be supported by the bait supports in ahorizontal orientation with the bait blocks “stacked” in horizontal rowsof blocks. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment the baitsupports 158 for supporting the bait blocks in a horizontal orientationcomprise a pair of frame members 153, 155 (FIGS. 10-12) each having amounting end configured for generally vertical orientation withinrespective ones of the slots 132 formed in the rear wall 116 of the base104. More suitably, receipt of the mounting end of a frame member 153,155 within the slot 132 and sliding the mounting end (along with therest of the frame member) down to the bottom of the slot releasablyconnects the frame member to the rear wall 116 of the base 104. Inparticular, for frame members 153, 155 used as bait supports 158 tosupport the bait blocks in a horizontal orientation, the shorter slots132 in the rear wall are used. In the illustrated embodiment it is theoutermost pair of shorter slots 132 that is used, but any combination ofshorter slots 132 may be used for horizontal support of the bait blocksdepending on the desired lengths of the bait block rows and the size ofthe skewers 160.

One frame member 155 (FIG. 11) is configured to extend outward from itsmounting end (i.e., away from the rear wall of the base and into thebait chamber 138) and to have a generally U-shaped cradle open at itsupper end 157 for receiving the straight ends of the skewers 160. Theother frame member 153 (FIG. 12) is configured to extend outward fromits mounting end 159 and terminate in a vertically oriented postconfiguration for receiving the eyelets of the skewers 160. In thismanner, the frame members 153 and 155 cooperate to locate and retain theskewers 160 and hence the bait blocks 156 on the bait support in ahorizontal orientation. It is contemplated that the skewers 160 mayinstead extend straight out from both ends of the row of bait blocks156, and that the frame members 153 and 155 may both be formed to havethe U-shaped cradle without departing from the scope of this invention.In a particularly suitable embodiment, the frame members 153 and 155 areconfigured to support the lowermost horizontal row of bait blocks up offof the inner surface of the bottom panel 114 of the base 104 (i.e.,above the floor of the rodent management station) to inhibit water thatdrains along the inner surface of the bottom panel from contacting thebait blocks.

In other embodiments, the bait blocks 156 may be stacked vertically inone or more columns, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-17. Suitable baitsupport devices 158 for such embodiments each comprise a frame member153 (e.g., a wire frame member in the illustrated embodiments) having amounting end 159 that slides into (e.g., via the open upper ends of theslots) and down to the bottom of the slots 132 in the rear wall 116 ofthe base 104 to releasably connect the bait support 158 to the rearwall. Each frame member 153 further extends outward from the mountingend 159 (i.e., away from the rear wall 116 of the base panel 104) and isconfigured to terminate in a vertically oriented post on which baitblocks 156 are supported. That is, no skewer 160 (FIG. 10) is needed inthese embodiments. When vertical bait block columns are used, each slot132 supports a respective column of bait blocks. In the illustratedembodiment, where vertical columns of bait blocks are used, it is thelonger slots 132 in the rear wall 116 that are utilized. It isunderstood that any number and combination of the longer slots 132 maybe used to support bait block columns within the scope of thisinvention. In a particularly suitable embodiment, the frame members 153are configured to support the vertical columns of bait blocks 156 up offof the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 of the base 104 (i.e.,above the floor of the rodent management station 100) to inhibit waterthat drains along the inner surface of the bottom panel from contactingthe bait blocks.

It is also understood that the provision of multiple slots 132 (shorterand longer) along the rear wall of the base 104 allows for variouscombinations of horizontal rows of bait blocks and vertical columns ofbait blocks. For example, one or more horizontal bait block rows may besupported by suitable frame members mounted 153 in the innermost pair ofshorter slots, with additional vertical columns of bait blocks supportedby the respective frame members 153 mounted in each of the outermostlonger slots.

With particular reference now to FIG. 18, the rodent management station100 is suitably modular to permit a snap trap 170 (e.g., a conventionalmouse trap) to be placed in the bait chamber. The snap trap 170 depictedin FIG. 18 is similar in design to one commercially available from KnessManufacturing Company, Inc. of Albia, Iowa. In such a configuration ofthe rodent management station 100, bait blocks 156 may be supported onthe rear wall of the base 104 as described previously, or the snap trap170 may be baited in a manner known in the art with the bait blocksomitted. In another embodiment, bait blocks 156 may be supported oneither side of the snap trap 170. In one particularly suitableembodiment the snap trap 170 is disposed and oriented in the baitchamber 138 with a portion of the trigger mechanism of the snap trapextending through the bait chamber entryway into the passageway outsidethe bait chamber (as best seen in FIGS. 20 and 21). In this manner, baitmay be placed on the trap 170 (or on the rear wall 116 as in theprevious embodiments) to allow the rodent to smell and in some instancessee the bait through the through-openings formed in the interior panels112. As the rodent continues along the passageway in search of the bait,the rodent must cross over the trigger mechanism of the snap trap. Inparticular, the rodent is prevented from continued travel along thepassageway to the opposite entry opening 102 without crossing over thetrigger mechanism of the snap trap. While an exemplary snap trap 170 isdepicted in FIGS. 18 and 19, it understood that other suitable snaptraps may be used within the scope of this invention.

A horizontal frame 172 (broadly, a “trap placement member”) such as awire frame or other suitable frame construction is secured within therodent management station 100, such as by being mounted to the rear wall116 in the same manner as the bait supports 158 used to the support thebait in FIGS. 13-17. This facilitates reconfiguration of the rodentmanagement station 100 to incorporate the snap trap 170. The horizontalframe 172 has a plurality of connecting members in spaced relationshipwith each other and configured for releasable disposition within theslots 132 in the rear wall 116 to releasably connect the horizontalframe to the base. Moreover, the connecting members and the slots 132are configured for sliding movement of the connecting members within theslots.

The illustrated horizontal frame 172 generally forms a loop having acentral opening that coincides with the perimeter of a base 174 of thesnap trap 170 for receiving the snap trap within the frame in closelyspaced relationship whereby the frame retains the snap trap againstsliding or other movement of the trap within the rodent managementstation 100. In other embodiments the snap trap 170 may be affixed orreleasably secured to the frame 172 by suitable fasteners or adhesives.In still other embodiments, the base 174 of the snap trap may have arecess formed into its perimeter. The frame 172 in such an embodimentmay then rest in the recess to retain the snap trap in position withinthe rodent management station.

The modular configurability of the rodent management station 100 furtherallows what is commonly referred to as a “live trap” to be placed in therodent management station instead of (e.g., interchangeably with,although it is contemplated that it may be in addition to) the snap trap170 of FIG. 20. Live traps are traps designed to trap a rodent,typically a mouse, within an enclosure without having to poison orimmediately kill the rodent. One suitable embodiment of a live trapconfigured for use within the rodent management station 100 isillustrated in FIGS. 22-24 and generally indicated at 200. It isunderstood, however, that other live trap configurations may be usedwithin the rodent management station and remain within the scope of thisinvention. Moreover, the live trap 200 is removable from the station 100when the station is in the opened configuration to permitservicing/cleaning of the station.

The illustrated live trap 200 (as best seen in FIG. 22) has an enlargedchamber portion 201 configured to seat within the bait chamber 138 ofthe rodent management station 100, and a narrowed entry portion(broadly, an “inlet” or “inlet portion”) 203 extending from the chamberportion. While not visible in the drawings, the entry portion 203 mayalso extend partially into the interior of the chamber portion such thatrodents exit the entry portion into the chamber portion more centrallywithin the interior of the chamber portion 201 of the live trap 200. Thelive trap 200 suitably has a front generally adjacent or including theentry portion 203 and a rear opposite the front. Thus, with the livetrap 200 disposed within the housing of the rodent management station100, the entry portion 203 of the live trap 100 may extend at least upto and in some embodiments through the bait chamber 138 entryway outinto the passageway 109 along which rodents are guided within the rodentmanagement station. At least one and more suitably a pair of entryopenings 202 are formed in the entry portion 203 of the live trap 200 topermit entry of rodents such as mice into the trap at a location that isseparate (e.g., distally spaced from) the entry openings 106 of thestation 100. The entry openings 202 are in a generally opposes, spacedrelationship with each other. These entry openings 202 are also out ofdirectional alignment with each of the entry openings 102 of the station100. Moreover, the pair of entry openings 202 may be positioned suchthat one entry opening is open to the first pathway 103 section of thepassageway 109 (described above) while the other entry opening is opento the second pathway section of the passageway.

In one embodiment, the live trap 200 is located and held in place withinthe rodent management station by stabilizing members 204 disposed on andmore suitably formed integrally with the exterior of the live trap 200generally along the sides of the chamber portion 201. These stabilizingmembers 204 abut against the interior panels 112 depending from the lid106 when the lid is closed to provide stability and support to the livetrap 200 against movement within the housing. The contact between thestabilizing members 204 and the interior panels 112 also increases thestructural rigidity of the lid 106 and in particular of the interiorpanels.

Additionally, or alternatively, the live trap 200 may include guide ribs206 (FIGS. 25 and 26) (broadly, “connecting tabs) attached to therearward facing side of the trap. These guide ribs 206 are configured toslide into respective ones of the slots 132 via the open upper ends ofthe slots in the rear wall 116 of the base 104 for releasably connectingthe live trap with the base of the station 100 housing and foraccurately positioning the live trap within the bait chamber 138 of therodent management station. The guide ribs 206 and slots 132 of the rearwall 116 thus each broadly define a connecting member used to connectthe live trap with the base of the station 100 housing. It is thusunderstood that in alternative embodiments suitable slots may beprovided on the live trap 200 while guide ribs 206 (i.e., connectingtabs) are disposed on the rear wall 116 of the base 104 to connect thelive trap with the base.

A variety of suitable interchangeable internal trap mechanisms may beused within the live trap 200, and in particular in the entry portion203 of the trap, to trap rodents within the chamber portion 201 of thetrap. The variety of trap mechanisms may be interchanged and selectivelyremoved and placed within the live trap 200.

For example, in one embodiment the internal trap mechanism may comprisea ramp mechanism 210 as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. The rampmechanism 210 comprises a ramp 212 extending longitudinally within theentry portion 203 of the live trap 200 and having an entry end nearestthe entry openings 202 of the trap and an exit end nearest the chamberportion 201 of the trap. The ramp is mounted on the floor of the livetrap for pivoting movement. A trap door 214 is pivotally connected tothe ramp 212 generally adjacent the entry end of the ramp by a suitablepivot pin 216. A spring, weight or other device is used to bias the rampin a position in which the ramp slants upward as illustrated in FIG. 28with the entry end of the ramp down near the floor of the live trap 200.In this position, the trap door lays generally flat against the ramp topermit a rodent that enters the trap to proceed up the ramp over thetrap door.

As the rodent proceeds past the trap door 214, the weight of the rodentcauses the ramp 212 to pivot downward (i.e., to pivot the exit enddownward). This pivoting of the ramp 212 causes the entry end of theramp to rise, pushing the trap door 214 to pivot about the pin 216 to anupright position (not shown) within the entry portion of the trap thuspreventing the rodent from turning around and exiting the trap. Therodent must therefore continue past the ramp 212 and into the chamberportion 201 of the live trap. Once the rodent is off of the ramp 212,the ramp returns to its initial position (FIG. 28) with the trap door214 again lying generally flat against the ramp. In particularlysuitable embodiments, adhesive such as in the form of a glue board, maybe disposed on the floor of the chamber portion 201 of the live trap 200to inhibit further movement of the rodent once it enters the chamberportion, or at least travels to a particular area within the chamberportion such as away from the entrance to the chamber portion.

FIGS. 29 and 31 illustrate an alternative trap mechanism, referred toherein as a swinging gate mechanism 220. The swinging gate mechanism 220comprises a gate 222 that is pivotably attached by a pivot pin 224 tothe roof of the live trap 200 and depending therefrom within the entryportion 203 of the trap, suitably near the entry openings 202 to thetrap. The gate 222 is suitably sized in length longer than the interiorheight of the entry portion 203 of the trap 200 so that in its initialposition it contacts the floor of the trap in a slightly angledorientation of the gate 222. In this manner, the gate 222 is capable ofswinging only one way, i.e., inward toward the chamber portion of thetrap. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate 222 also has teeth 226positioned along its free edge. In some embodiments, the gate 222 mayhave slots disposed therein, thus enabling light to pass through thegate mechanism 220.

As the rodent enters the live trap 200 with the swinging gate mechanism220 they come into contact with the gate 222 and cause it to rotateupward about the pivot pin 224. If the rodent attempts to retreat fromthe trap 200 while passing beneath the gate 222, the teeth 226 at thefree end of the gate bite into the rodent to discourage such rearwardmovement. After the rodent has cleared the gate 222, the door pivotsback to its initial state, thus blocking any retreat by the rodent.While teeth 226 are depicted in FIGS. 29 and 31 as being positionedalong the free edge of the gate 222, they may be positioned along anyportion of the swing door.

In other embodiments an additional swing door positioned in front of thegate 222 may be provided. In such an embodiment, the additional swingdoor does not have teeth and is sized to permit the swinging of the doorin both directions within the swinging gate mechanism 220. The rodent isthus able to exit through this additional door before coming intocontact with the gate 222. The rodent is encouraged by this additionaldoor that it is capable of retreat from the trap and to thus continuethrough the next door, which is the gate 222. The additional swing doorand gate 222 generally function in the same manner. Like the gate 222,the additional swing door may have slots positioned in any portiontherein.

With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, another live trap mechanism isreferred to herein as a funnel trap mechanism 230 comprising a funnel232 that sits within the entry portion 203 of the live trap 200 and hasa first or entry end 231 nearest the entry openings 202 of the trap andan exit end 233 nearest the chamber portion of the trap. The funnel 232more suitably comprises a rigid segment 236 extending longitudinallydownstream from the entry end 231 of the funnel and a flexible segmentcomprising a plurality of fingers 234 attached to and extendinglongitudinally downstream from the rigid segment of the funnel to theexit end 233 thereof. The rigid segment 236 of the illustrated funnel232 is generally cylindrical or rectangular in shape with a constantcross-sectional area along its length. Although it is understood thatthe rigid segment 236 may be shaped other than cylindrical orrectangular, and may be of non-uniform cross-section, without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

The fingers 234 are configured to angle inward (relative to thecenterline of the funnel) toward each other such that the exit end 233of the funnel 232 is substantially narrower than the entry end 231 ofthe funnel. The fingers 234 are suitably flexible and resilient topermit outward bending of the fingers against the bias thereof as therodent passes through the flexible segment of the funnel to the exit end233 of the funnel. As a rodent moves through the exit end 233 of thefunnel, the bias of the fingers 234 causes the tips of the fingers toremain in contact with the body of the rodent. If the rodent tries toreverse course, the tips of the fingers 234 dig into or otherwise applypressure to the rodent, thereby encouraging the rodent to continuemoving forward to the chamber portion of the trap. Once the rodent exitsthe funnel 232, the fingers 234 return to their initial position, thusrendering the exit end 233 of the funnel too narrow for the rodent'shead to fit through and the rodent is thus discouraged against attemptsto move back through the funnel.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 22, bait such as the baitblocks 156 may be disposed within the bait chamber along with the livetrap 200, such as above the chamber portion 201 of the live trap. Thebait blocks 156 serve to lure the rodent into the rodent managementstation and toward the live trap and/or bait chamber 138. In such anembodiment, the live trap 200 may be sized, particularly at the entryopenings 202 of the trap, to allow only smaller rodents such as mice toenter the live trap. Larger rodents such as rats will climb over the topof the live trap 200 into the bait chamber 138 and feed on the baitwhich may be sufficiently toxic to kill the rat. Additionally, non-toxicbaits (e.g., monitoring baits) may be used in the rodent managementstation 100. Monitoring bait is a non-toxic substance that indicates thepresence of rodents by virtue of it being consumed by rodents over aperiod of time.

FIGS. 38-78 illustrate another embodiment of a rodent management station1100. The rodent management station 1100 is similar to the rodentmanagement station 100, including in general a base 1104 and lid 1106(together, broadly defining a housing of the rodent management stationand an interior space of the housing), transversely opposite entryopenings 1102, and interior panels 1112 (broadly, partition structure)that partition the interior space of the housing into a generallycentral bait chamber 1138 and a passageway 1109 including a pair ofpathways 1103 each leading from a respective one of the entry openings1102 to an entryway of the bait chamber. In the closed configuration ofthe lid 1106, the lid and base 1104 are releasably held together by asuitable locking mechanism 1142, similar to locking mechanism 142described above, to inhibit unauthorized or unintended opening of therodent management station 1100.

The rear wall 1116 (broadly, an upstanding wall) of the base 1104includes an inner surface having elongate, vertically extending slots1132 formed therein. The slots 1132 are spaced laterally apart from eachother along the inner surface of the rear wall, and may be of uniformlength but are more suitably of varying lengths with some of the slots1132 being longer than others. Each of the slots 1132 is open at the topof the rear wall and extends down to a location generally intermediatethe top and bottom of the rear wall (for the shorter slots) or toadjacent the bottom of the rear wall (e.g., just above the inner surfaceof the bottom panel, for the longer slots). Moreover, the slots 1132 mayhave varying diameters along their respective lengths, such that thediameter of the slot decreases or tapers as it extends downward towardthe bottom panel 1114 of the base 1104. As described in further detaillater herein, the slots 1132 are configured to retain one or more baitsupports therein for supporting bait within the interior space of thestation 1100 housing.

As best seen in FIG. 38, the lid 1106 of the rodent management stationof this embodiment further comprises depending guard structure 1300configured and located on the lid such that in the closed configurationof the station 1100 the guard structure substantially encloses orotherwise guards the open upper ends of the slots 1132, and the baitsupports disposed therein, to inhibit rodents against manipulating thebait supports (e.g., bending or pulling) and removing the baittherefrom. The illustrated guard structure 1300 comprises a plurality ofgenerally V-shaped ribs formed integrally with and depending from thelid 1106 and transversely spaced relationship with each other. Forexample, in one particularly suitable embodiment the number of V-shapedribs 1300 corresponds to the number of bait supports (e.g., four in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 38) used in the rodent management station1100. It is understood, however, that the guard structure 1300 may be ofany suitable configuration without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

While not visible in the drawings, in some embodiments at least aportion of the inner surface 1118 of the bottom panel 1114 of thestation 1100 housing (i.e., the floor of the housing) may be textured inthe same manner as the inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 of thestation 100 housing of the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 38and 39, one or more demarcations 1111 may be provided on the innersurface 1118 of the bottom panel 1114 to indicate where the interiorpanels 1112 are located in the closed configuration of the station 1100.The demarcations 1111 facilitate proper alignment of the bait and trapswithin the bait chamber 1138 of the station 1100 housing to avoidinterference with lid 1106 and in particular the interior panels 1112upon closing the lid. The demarcations 1111 may be in any suitable formsuch as, without limitation, indicia, different coloring from the innersurface 1118 of the bottom panel 1114, labels, different texturing fromthe texture of the inner surface of the bottom panel, a raised member, agroove, or other suitable demarcation.

The bait system and in particular the bait supports 1158 of the rodentmanagement station 1100 of this embodiment are also different from thebait supports 158 of the previous station 100. Suitable bait supportconfigurations for this second embodiment are illustrated in FIGS.38-55, and in particular with respect to such supports for retainingbait blocks 1156 or other bait in generally vertical (e.g., stacked)configurations. It is understood, however, that the bait supports ofthis embodiment may also be configured to retain bait blocks 1156 orother bait in a general horizontal alignment as in the previousembodiment without departing from the scope of this invention.

As one example, with particular reference to FIG. 41, one suitable baitsupport 1158 is illustrated in the form of a bait tray 1322 havingupstanding walls 1324 that extend upwardly from a horizontal bottom 1326of the bait tray 1322 to form a trough 1330. A vertical wall 1328 iscoupled to and extends upward from the bottom 1326. A liquid attractant,bait, or poisonous substance is placed within the trough 1330. In otherembodiments, pelletized or other solid forms of attractant, bait, orpoisonous substances may be disposed in the trough 1326. In use withinthe interior space of the station 1100 housing and more particularlywithin the bait chamber of the housing, the trough 1326 is open to theinterior space of the housing so that rodents may feed from the trough.

With reference now to FIG. 38A, the upstanding rear wall 1116 of thebase 1104 and more suitably an outer panel 1119 of the rear wall in themultiple construction of the illustrated embodiment, may include atleast one and more suitably two or more mounting ports 1130 separatefrom the rodent entry openings 1102. As illustrated in FIG. 38A, in oneembodiment the outer panel 1119 has two pairs of mounting ports 1130disposed therein in spaced relationship with each other. One pair ofmounting ports 1130 are in vertical alignment with each other, while theother pair is in horizontal alignment. Providing at least a pair ofmounting ports 1130 permits strap or cable-type fasteners to be used tosecure the base 1104 to a mounting surface such as a post, slat orchain-link fence.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, a movable closure 1131 isremovably connected to the outer panel 1119 of the rear wall 1116 ateach respective mounting port 1130. For example, the movable closure1131 is removable from the outer panel 1119 to expose a respective oneof the mounting ports 1130. More suitably, the movable closure 1131comprises a frangible closure such as a knock-out plate. It isunderstood, however, that the closures 1131 may be omitted such that themounting ports 1130 are permanently open.

The bait support 1158 further comprises (still referring to FIG. 41) amounting pin 1340 disposed on the backside of the vertical wall 1328 forreleasably connecting the bait support with the rear wall 1116 of thebase 1104. The mounting pin 1340 is suitably connected to the verticalwall 1328 by a connecting web 1342. More suitably the mounting pin 1340and connecting web 1342 are formed integrally with the vertical wall1328 of the bait support 1158. It is understood, however, that themounting pin 1340 may be connected to the vertical wall 1328 by anysuitable technique and remain within the scope of this invention. Theillustrated mounting pin 1340 is suitably generally cylindrical inaccordance with the cross-sectional shape of the slots 1132 in the rearwall 1116 of the base 1104. More suitably, the illustrated mounting pin1340 is generally tubular, having a central bore 1344 extendingtherethrough for reasons which will become apparent.

In this second embodiment of a rodent management station 1100, theheight of the bait above the floor of the housing as supported by thebait support 1158 is suitably adjustable. For example, in one embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 52-55, a riser 1500 (broadly, a height adjustmentmember) is used to support the bait support 1158 at an increased heightwithin the interior space of the station 1100 housing. The illustratedriser couples the bait tray 1322 to the rear wall 1116 of the rodentmanagement station 1100.

FIGS. 42-51 depict another embodiment of a suitable bait support 1400for the rodent management station 1100 of this second embodiment. Thebait support 1400 is configured for releasable connection with the rearwall 1116 of the station 1100 and for sliding movement within the slots1132 in the rear wall 1116 of the base 1104. The bait support 1400suitably includes a generally horizontal platform 1410 configured for agenerally horizontal orientation extending outward relative to the rearwall 1116 into the interior space and more particularly the bait chamberof the station 1100 housing. A vertical wall 1420 extends up from theplatform 1410 in the same manner as the vertical wall 1328 of the baitsupport 1158 of FIG. 41. The transition of the platform 1410 to thevertical wall 1420 is suitably rounded, or curved, to inhibit baitparticles or other debris from accumulating on the bait support 1158 andto clean the bait support 1400.

The platform 1410 of the bait support 1400 has an opening 1430 disposedtherein and sized to releasably retain a bait pin 1450 (or bait rod 1460as discussed later herein) that extends up from the platform 1410 of thebait support. Both the bait pin 1450 and the bait rod 1460 are broadlyreferred to herein as “bait mounting pins.” The illustrated bait pin1450 is configured to position and locate bait blocks 1156 in agenerally fixed arrangement with respect to the bait support device1400. The bait pin 1450 has a diameter that is suitably configured sothat bait blocks having an opening formed therein may be positioned onthe bait pin such that the bait pin passes through the openings formedin the bait blocks 1156. The bait blocks are thus securely positionedand a rodent is unable to carry away a bait block from the rodentmanagement station 1100.

The bait pin 1450 (as best seen in FIGS. 43 and 44) has an expandedportion 1452 at or adjacent a lower segment 1454 of the bait pin toserve as a stop upon insertion of the bait pin in the platform opening1430. Accordingly, the expanded portion 1452 of the bait pin 1450suitably has at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater thana diameter of the opening 1430. The lower segment 1454 of the bait pin1450 is thus able to fit within the opening 1430, while the expandedportion 1452 inhibits the segment of the bait pin above the expandedportion 1452 from passing therethrough. In one particularly suitableembodiment, the lower segment 1454 of the bait pin 1450 is suitablysized and configured for a general friction or press fit of the lowersegment with the platform 1410 within the opening 1430 to permitreleasable connection of the bait pin with the bait support 1400. Inother embodiments, the bait pin 1450 may be releasably connected withthe bait support 1400 by adhesive, mechanical fastening or othersuitable technique without departing from the scope of this invention.It is also contemplated that in alternative embodiments the bait pin1450 may instead be permanently connected to the bait support 1400.

The bait support 1400 further comprises a mounting pin 1440 (FIG. 42)disposed on the backside of the vertical wall 1420 for releasablyconnecting the bait support with the rear wall 1116 of the base 1104.The mounting pin 1440 is suitably connected to the vertical wall 1420 bya connecting web 1442. More suitably the mounting pin 1440 andconnecting web 1442 are formed integrally with the vertical wall 1420 ofthe bait support 1400. It is understood, however, that the mounting pin1440 may be connected to the vertical wall 1420 by any suitabletechnique and remain within the scope of this invention. The illustratedmounting pin 1440 is suitably generally cylindrical in accordance withthe cross-sectional shape of the slots 1132 in the rear wall 1116 of thebase 1104 to permit the mounting pin to be inserted down through theopen upper end and into a respective one of the slots 1132. In a moresuitable embodiment, the mounting pin 1440 is generally tubular, havinga central bore 1444.

With reference to FIGS. 49-51, an annular protrusion 1470 depends fromthe underside of the platform 1410 in coaxial alignment with the opening1430 and having an inner cross-sectional dimension that is substantiallythe same as that of the opening. While the annular protrusion 1470 has acircular outer cross-section, other embodiments may have differentlyshaped outer cross-sections (e.g., square, oblong, or rectangular).Moreover, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the circular protrusion1470 may be either larger or smaller than that of the opening 1430. Theannular protrusion 1470 functions at least in part to further supportthe lower segment 1454 of the bait pin 1450 and the lower segment 1466of the bait rod 1460.

As illustrated in FIG. 51, the vertical wall 1420 of the bait support1400 has ribs 1478 formed on a back surface 1432 thereof. The platform1410 has similar ribs (not shown) formed on a respective under-surface1411. The ribs 1478 and the ribs on the under-surface 1411 increase thestructural rigidity of the bait support device 1400. The bait support1400 also has an upper notch 1480 and a lower notch 1482 formed therein,as illustrated in FIG. 51 for purposes which will become apparent. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the notches 1480 and 1482 are formed atleast in part by recesses formed into the respective back surface 1432and under-surface 1411. The notches 1480 and 1482 may also at least inpart be defined by the ribs 1478 formed in the back surface 1432 and/orthe under-surface 1411. Although not illustrated in FIG. 41, the baittray 1322 comprises similar notches 1480 and 1482.

With reference to FIGS. 52-55, the height of the bait above the floor ofthe housing as supported by the bait support 1400 is selectivelyadjustable. For example, in one embodiment, a riser 1500 (broadly, aheight adjustment member) is used to support the bait support 1400 at anincreased height above the inner surface of the bottom panel within theinterior space of the station 1100 housing. The illustrated riser 1500is suitably configured for disposition, at least in part, within one ofthe slots 1132 and beneath the mounting pin 1440 of the bait support1400 to support the mounting pin higher up within the slot (and hencethe bait support within the interior space of the station 1100 housing)than if the riser is omitted. More particularly, the riser 1500 of FIGS.52-55 comprises an elongate post including a lower segment 1502 having afirst diameter and an upper segment 1504 having a second diameter thatis less than the first diameter (e.g., of the lower segment). Inparticular, the second diameter of the upper segment 1504 is sized forinsertion in the opening 1444 of the mounting pin 1440 of the baitsupport 1400 (or, e.g., the opening 1344 in the bait tray 1322) tocouple the bait support with the riser. It is understood, however, thatthe upper segment of the riser post may be omitted without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

The lower segment 1502 of the riser 1500 post has an upper annularflange 1506 separating the upper segment 1504 from the lower segment,and a lower annular flange 1508 longitudinally spaced-apart from theupper annular flange 1506 and generally at or adjacent the lower end ofthe riser post. The annular flanges 1506, 1508 are sized incross-section in accordance with the cross-sectional dimensions of theslots 1132 in the rear wall 1116 of the base 1104 positively seat andretain the riser 1500 within the slot with little translational movementof the riser therein. In a particularly suitable embodiment, thecross-sectional dimension (e.g., the diameter in the illustratedembodiment) of the lower annular flange 1508 is sized to correspond tothe cross-sectional dimension of the slot 1132 at a particular depthalong the length of the slot (e.g., where the slot dimensions decreasetoward the lower end of the slot), thus setting the riser at apredetermined height within the slot.

An upper arm 1510 extends transversely outward from the riser 1500 postand more particularly from the upper segment 1506 thereof just above theupper annular flange 1506. The upper arm is sized in width to seatwithin the upper notch 1480 of the bait support 1400 to further supportthe bait support on the riser. A lower arm 1520 also extendstransversely outward from the riser 1500 post, for example, at the lowerend thereof, and is suitably sized and configured to fit within and/orengage the lower notch 1482 of the bait support 1400. An assembly of thebait support device 1400 and riser 1500 is illustrated in FIG. 47. It isunderstood, however, that either of the upper arm 1510 and lower arm1520 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this invention.It is also understood that the riser 1500 may be configured other thanas illustrated and remain within the scope of this invention as long itsupports the bait support 1400 at a height within the interior space ofthe station 1100 housing higher than the bait support is disposed absentthe riser.

The length of the lower segment 1502 and/or the upper segment 1504 ofthe riser 1500 post thus dictates the vertical position (i.e., heightabove the floor of the station 1100 housing) of the bait support 1400(or bait tray 1322), and by extension the bait blocks 1156 placedthereon, within the rodent management station 1100. The riser 1500 thusfunctions as a height adjustment member and is configured for selectiveadjustment of the height of the bait support 1400 above the floor of thestation 1100. Accordingly, different risers (not shown) of alternativelengths or different configurations may be provided to permit selectiveheight adjustment of the bait support 1400 (or bait tray 1322). Theriser 1500 may be constructed out of any suitable material, such asplastic, metal, or a combination of materials.

Using a riser 1500 that is disposed within one of the slots 1132 allowsthe bait support 1400 to be supported above the floor of the station1100 housing in spaced relationship therewith, e.g., without the riserstructure being interposed between the bait support and the floor. Assuch, a live trap may readily seat below the bait support 1400 so thatboth the live trap and bait may be disposed within the bait chamber.Additionally, with the live trap removed from the bait chamber and thelid 1106 in the opened configuration of the station 1100 the floor ofthe station is readily cleaned by sweeping or brushing beneath the baitsupports 1400 without having to remove the bait supports from thestation.

FIG. 45 depicts the bait support 1400 utilizing a bait rod 1460 insteadof the bait pin 1450 of FIG. 42. Like the bait pin 1450, the bait rod1460 is configured to position and locate bait blocks 1156 in agenerally fixed arrangement on the platform of the bait support 1400.The bait rod 1460 has a diameter that is suitably configured so thatbait blocks 1156 having an opening formed therein may be positioned onthe bait rod such that the bait rod passes through the openings formedin the bait blocks. The bait blocks 1156 are thus securely positionedand a rodent is unable to carry away a bait block from the rodentmanagement station 1100. The bait rod 1460 (as best seen in FIGS. 45 and46) has an annular collar 1464 positioned at or near a lower segment1466 of the bait rod to serve as a stop upon insertion of the bait rodinto the platform opening 1430. The annular collar 1464 is formedaccording to any suitable method, such as during the molding ormanufacturing of the bait rod 1460. For example, if the bait rod 1460 isformed in an injection molding process, the annular collar 1464 isformed in the same operation. In other embodiments, the annular collar1464 may be formed as a separate component and suitably fastened orcoupled to the bait rod 1460 by press fit, adhesive or other suitableconnection.

The bait rod 1460 has a tapered upper end 1462 to facilitate loading ofthe bait blocks 1156 on the bait rod 1460. It is understood that theupper end 1462 may be tapered other than as illustrated, or remainuntapered in the manner of the bait pin 1450, without departing from thescope of this invention.

FIG. 47 illustrates two bait blocks 1156 positioned on the bait supportdevice 1400 using the bait rod 1460. The bait blocks suitably rest onthe platform 1410 and be stacked in vertical alignment with support fromthe bait rod 1460. The platform thus supports the bait blocks andprovides substantial support surface for the bait blocks such that inhot environments where bait can become softened the bait does not meltand flow down onto the floor of the station 1100 housing.

FIGS. 72-74 illustrate another embodiment of a suitable bait support,indicated generally at 1600 for the rodent management station 1100. Thebait support 1600 is used to support bait blocks 1156 in a verticallystacked arrangement and has a shaped-wire seat 1640 on which bait issupported in spaced relationship above the floor of the station 1100housing. The bait support 1600 of this embodiment is formed from a metalor plastic wire and has a circular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 72.In other embodiments, the cross-section of the bait support 1600 may beother than circular, such as square, rectangular, or oblong. Moreover,the cross-sectional shape may be different at different segments alongthe bait support 1600.

The illustrated bait support 1600 has a mounting end 1610 that slidesinto and down to the bottom of the slots 1132 in the rear wall 1116 ofthe base 1104 to releasably connect the bait support with the rear wall.The bait support 1600 extends outward and upward from the mounting end1610 (i.e., away from the rear wall 1116 of the base panel 1104) andforms a coiled support portion 1640 (i.e., a shaped-wire seat) on whichbait blocks 1156 are supported. A vertically oriented post 1620(broadly, a “wire pin”) extends up from the coiled support portion 1640and is configured to receive the bait blocks 1156. The coiled supportportion 1640 is generally circular when viewed from above as in FIG. 73and accordingly provides an increased surface area for supporting thebait blocks.

FIGS. 75-78 illustrate yet another embodiment of a suitable baitsupport, generally indicated at 1700. This bait support is also used forsupporting bait blocks 1156 in a vertically stacked arrangement. Thebait support 1700 may be formed from a metal or plastic wire and has acircular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 75. In other embodiments, thecross-section of the bait support 1700 may be other than circular, suchas square, rectangular, or oblong. Moreover, the cross-sectional shapemay be different at different segments along the bait support 1700.

The bait support 1700 has a mounting end 1710 that slides into and downto the bottom of the slots 1132 in the rear wall 1116 of the base 1104to releasably connect the bait support with the rear wall. The baitsupport 1700 extends outward and upward from the mounting end 1710(i.e., away from the rear wall 1116 of the base panel 1104) and forms acoiled support portion 1740 (i.e., a seat) on which bait blocks 1156 aresupported. A vertically oriented post 1720 extends upward from thecoiled support portion 1740 and is configured to receive bait blocks1156 thereon. The bait support 1700 is thus configured to support baitblocks 1156 in spaced relationship above the inner surface 1118 of thebottom panel 1114 of the rodent management station 1100. Moreover, whencompared to the bait support 1600, the bait support 1700 verticallypositions the bait blocks 1156 a greater distance above the innersurface 1118 of the bottom panel 1114. This increased distance permitsthe live trap 1200 to be positioned in between the coiled supportportion 1740 and the bottom panel 1114. Accordingly, the bait supportdevice 1700 may be used either alone or in conjunction, with the livetrap 1200. In such an embodiment, the live trap may be used to trap micewhile the bait is used to treat other rodents (e.g., rats) that are toolarge to enter the live trap. The coiled support portion 1740 isgenerally circular when viewed from above as in FIG. 78 and accordinglyhas an increased surface area for supporting bait blocks 1156.

FIGS. 56-69 illustrate one suitable live trap 1200 for the rodentmanagement station 1100 of this embodiment. The live trap 1200 isgenerally similar to the live trap 200 of the first embodiment, and itis understood that the live trap of this embodiment may be used in therodent management station 100 without departing from the scope of thisinvention. In this embodiment, the live trap 1200 has an enlarged trapportion 1209 configured to seat within the bait chamber of the rodentmanagement station 1100, and a narrowed entry portion (broadly, an“inlet” or “inlet portion”) 1208 extending from the trap portion. Whilenot visible in the drawings, the entry portion 1208 may also extendpartially into the interior of the trap portion 1209 such that rodentsexit the entry portion into the trap portion more centrally within theinterior of the trap portion of the live trap 1200. The live trap 1200suitably has a front generally adjacent or including the entry portion1208 and a rear opposite the front. Thus, with the live trap 1200disposed within the housing of the rodent management station 1100, theentry portion 1208 of the live trap may extend at least up to and insome embodiments through the bait chamber entryway out into thepassageway along which rodents are guided within the rodent managementstation.

The live trap 1200 of this embodiment has an entry opening 1202 ofdisposed at the end of the entry portion 1208 of the live trap.Moreover, as seen in FIGS. 56 and 57, the side walls of live trap 1200curve outward and are substantially rounded where the entry portion 1208meets or transitions to the remainder of the live trap 1200 (i.e., tothe trap portion 1209). The illustrated live trap 1200 of thisembodiment also includes vent openings in the form of upper vent holes1210 (FIG. 63) in an upper surface 1209 of the live trap and side ventholes 1212 (FIGS. 66 and 67) along the rear 1211 of the live trap 1200.The upper vent holes 1210 and side vent holes 1212 are more suitablylocated at the trap portion 1209 of the live trap 1200 and sized toinhibit the passage of a rodent therethrough and as such aresubstantially smaller than the entry opening 1202 of the live trap 1200,while still permitting the passage of air, light, and particulatesbetween the interior (i.e., trap portion) of the live trap and fluidcommunication therebetween. Providing the vent holes in this mannerentices rodents (after trapping) to move into the trap portion 1209 andmore suitably away from where the entry portion 1208 opens into the trapportion. It is understood, however, that vent openings 1210, 1212 may belocated on the live trap 1200 other than as illustrated and remainwithin the scope of this invention.

A variety of suitable internal trap mechanisms may be used within thelive trap 1200, and in particular within the entry portion 1208 of thelive trap, to trap rodents within the trap portion 1209 thereof. Forexample, in one embodiment the internal trap mechanism may comprise aramp mechanism 1214 as illustrated in FIGS. 56, 58, and 59. The rampmechanism 1214 comprises a ramp 1216 extending longitudinally within thetunnel portion 1208 of the live trap 1200 and having an entry endnearest the entry opening 1202 of the trap and an exit end nearest theenclosure portion of the trap. The ramp 1216 is mounted on the floor ofthe live trap 1200 for pivoting movement. A trap door 1218 is pivotallyconnected to the ramp generally adjacent the entry end of the ramp by asuitable pivot pin 1219. A spring, weight or other device is used tobias the ramp 1216 in a position in which the ramp slants upward asillustrated in FIG. 59 with the entry end of the ramp down near thefloor of the live trap 1200. In this position, the trap door 1218 laysgenerally flat against the ramp 1216 to permit a rodent that enters thetrap to proceed up the ramp over the trap door.

As the rodent proceeds past the trap door 1218, the weight of the rodentcauses the ramp 1216 to pivot downward (i.e., to pivot the exit enddownward). This pivoting of the ramp 1216 causes the entry end of theramp to rise, pushing the trap door to pivot about the pin 1219 to anupright position (not shown) within the tunnel portion 1208 of the trap1200 thus preventing the rodent from turning around and exiting thetrap. The rodent must therefore continue past the ramp 1216 and into theenclosure portion of the live trap 1200. Once the rodent is off of theramp 1216, the ramp returns to its initial position (FIG. 59) with thetrap door 1218 again lying generally flat against the ramp. Inparticularly suitable embodiments, adhesive such as in the form of aglue board, may be disposed on the floor of the enclosure portion of thelive trap 1200 to inhibit further movement of the rodent once it entersthe enclosure portion, or at least travels to a particular area withinthe enclosure portion such as away from the entrance of the tunnelportion 1208 into the enclosure portion.

In some embodiments, the ramp 1216 is not utilized. In theseembodiments, the trap door (broadly, a “gate”) 1218 is pivotablegenerally between an up position in which the gate generally closes offthe entry opening 1202 of the live trap 1200 from the remainder of thetrap and a down position in which a rodent can pass from the entryopening through the tunnel portion 1208 of the trap. FIGS. 59 and 65illustrate a number of depending protrusions (broadly, “blockingmembers”) 1217 which extend downward from the upper surface 1209 of thelive trap 1200. The depending protrusions 1217 prevent a rodent whichhas reached the enclosure portion of the live trap 1200 from tamperingor manipulating the trap mechanism to escape from the live trap. Inembodiments utilizing the trap door 1218, the depending protrusions aredisposed generally above the trap door in the up position thereof andmay be arranged longitudinally along the tunnel portion 1208 from aposition intermediate the entry opening 1202 and the trap door 1218 inthe up position to location past the trap door in the position. In theembodiments utilizing the ramp 1216, the depending protrusions 1217prevent the rodent from pivoting the ramp 1216 and opening gate 1218 toa position past the pivot point 1219 where the gate will not close whenthe rodent steps off of and releases the ramp to return to its naturalresting position. Furthermore, the depending protrusions 1217 aresuitably used with any of the trap mechanisms discussed herein andfunction in a similar manner to prevent rodents from manipulating thelive trap mechanism after they have passed therethrough.

With reference to FIGS. 60, 61, and 62, another live trap mechanism isreferred to herein as a funnel trap mechanism 1230 comprising a funnel1232. The funnel 1232 sits within the tunnel portion 1208 of the livetrap 1200 and has a first or entry end 1231 nearest the entry opening1202 of the trap and an exit end 1233 nearest the enclosure portion ofthe trap. The funnel 1232 more suitably comprises a rigid segment 1236extend longitudinally downstream from the entry end 1231 of the funneland a flexible segment comprising a plurality of fingers 1234 attachedto and extending longitudinally downstream from the rigid segment of thefunnel to the exit end 1233 thereof. The rigid segment 1236 of theillustrated funnel 1232 is generally cylindrical or rectangular in shapewith a constant cross-sectional area along its length. Although it isunderstood that the rigid segment 1236 may be shaped other thancylindrical or rectangular, and may be of non-uniform cross-section,without departing from the scope of this invention.

The fingers 1234 are configured to angle inward (relative to thecenterline of the funnel 1232) toward each other such that the exit end1233 of the funnel is substantially narrower than the entry end 1231 ofthe funnel. The fingers 1234 are suitably flexible and resilient topermit outward bending of the fingers against the bias thereof as therodent passes through the flexible segment of the funnel to the exit end1233 of the funnel. As a rodent moves through the exit end 1233 of thefunnel, the bias of the fingers 1234 causes the tips of the fingers toremain in contact with the body of the rodent. If the rodent tries toreverse course, the tips of the fingers 1234 dig into or otherwise applypressure to the rodent, thereby encouraging the rodent to continuemoving forward to the enclosure portion of the trap. Once the rodentexits the funnel 1232, the fingers 1234 return to their initialposition, thus rendering the exit end 1233 of the funnel too narrow forthe rodent's head to fit through so the rodent cannot move back throughthe funnel. In addition, the funnel trap mechanism 1230 utilizes thedepending protrusions 1217 to prevent the rodent from exiting the livetrap 1200 by passing over the funnel trap mechanism 1230.

FIGS. 63, 64, and 65 illustrate an alternative trap mechanism, referredto herein as a swing door mechanism 1220. The swing door mechanism 1220comprises a swing door 1222 that is pivotably attached by a pivot pin1224 to a base extension 1221 of the live trap 1200 within the tunnelportion 1208 of the trap, suitably near the entry opening 1202 to thetrap. The base extension 1221 is coupled to a bottom surface 1223 of thelive trap 1200.

The swing door 1222 is suitably sized in length longer than the interiorheight of the tunnel portion 1208 of the trap 1200 so that in itsinitial position it contacts the floor of the trap in a slightly angledorientation of the door. In this manner, the door 1222 is capable ofswinging only one way, i.e., inward toward the enclosure portion of thetrap 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the swing door 1222 also hasteeth 1226 positioned along its free edge and its planar surface facinginwards toward the enclosure portion. In the illustrated embodiment, theswing door 1222 has slots or openings 1223 (FIG. 64) disposed therein,thus enabling light to pass through the swing door.

As the rodent enters the live trap 1200 with the swing door mechanism1220 they come into contact with the swing door 1222 and cause it torotate upward about the pivot pin 1224. If the rodent attempts toretreat from the trap 1200 while passing beneath the swing door 1222,the teeth 1226 at the free end and the inward planar surface facing ofthe swing door bite into the rodent to discourage such rearwardmovement. After the rodent has cleared the swing door 1222, the doorpivots back to its initial state, thus blocking any retreat by therodent. While teeth 1226 are depicted in FIG. 65 as being positionedalong the free edge of the swing door 1222 and planar surface facinginwards towards the enclosure portion, they may be positioned along anyportion of the swing door. In addition, the swing door mechanism 1220utilizes the depending protrusions 1217 to prevent the rodent fromexiting the live trap 1200 by passing over the swing door mechanism1220.

In other embodiments an additional swing door (not shown) may bepositioned in front of the swing door 1222 (i.e., prior to the swingdoor 1222 in the direction of movement of the rodent within the livetrap 1200. In such an embodiment, the additional swing door does nothave teeth and is sized to permit the swinging of the door in bothdirections within the swing door trap 1220. The rodent is thus able toexit through this additional door before coming into contact with theswing door 1222. The rodent is encouraged by this additional door thatit is capable of retreat from the trap and to thus continue through thenext door, which is the swing door 1222. The additional swing door andswing door 1222 generally function in the same manner. Like the swingdoor 1222, the additional swing door may have slots positioned in anyportion therein. The base extensions 1221 extend upward from the bottomsurface 1223 and have recesses 1225 formed therein. The base extensions1221 may be formed integrally with the bottom surface 1223 or they mayformed separately and suitably coupled thereto. The recesses 1225 aresuitably sized to receive portions of trap mechanisms placed therein.For example, the recesses 1225 are sized and positioned to receive thepivot pin 1224 of the swing door mechanism 1220 as shown in FIG. 65. Therecesses 1225 are also sized and positioned to receive the pivot pin1219 of the ramp mechanism 1214 as shown in FIG. 59 and a portion ofeither the funnel 1232 or the rigid segment 1236 thereof of the funneltrap mechanism 1230 as shown in FIG. 62.

FIGS. 69, 70, and 71 illustrate perspective, top, and side views of thebottom surface 1223 of the live trap 1200. The bottom surface 1223 ofthe live trap 1200 is positioned adjacent to the bottom panel 1118 ofthe station 1100 when in operation. The bottom surface 1223 isselectively separable from the remainder of the live trap to permitservicing of the live trap (e.g., removal of rodents and debristherefrom and changing of trap mechanisms). Moreover, according to someembodiments, a living hinge 1227 permits translation of only a portion1229 (broadly, an “access panel”) of the bottom surface 1223 generallydisposed adjacent the tunnel portion 1208 away from the remainder of thelive trap 1200 to expose an access opening 1235 to permit the servicingand/or replacement of the trap mechanism. The access panel 1229 is thuspositionable between a closed position in which the access opening 1235is closed and an opened position. In the open position, the trapmechanisms, such as glue boards, are insertable, removable, andserviceable through the access opening 1235. An additional trap portionopening (not shown) may be provided separate from the access opening anddisposed in a portion of the live trap 1200 near the trap mechanism. Aclosure panel (not shown) is suitably provided to cover the trap portionopening and is positionable between a closed position in which the trapportion opening is closed and an opened position wherein the interior ofthe trap portion of the live trap 1200 is accessible for servicing.

FIGS. 79 through 107 illustrate a third embodiment of a rodentmanagement station (indicated generally at 300), which is similar ingeometric shape and general configuration to the rodent managementstation 100 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 37 and therodent management station 1100 described in relation to FIGS. 38 through78. In this second embodiment, the rodent management station 300 issubstantially smaller than (e.g., scaled down from) the rodentmanagement stations 100 and 1100 of the first and second embodiments.For example, the rodent management station 300 illustrated in FIGS.79-85 is an approximately three-eighths scale of the previouslydescribed rodent management stations 100 and 1100.

Like the rodent management stations 100 and 1100, the rodent managementstation 300 is a multi-sided structure with at least one and moresuitably two opposite entry openings 302 formed therein. The rodentmanagement station 300 is of a modular design, permitting a plurality ofdifferent bait configurations as will be described in further detailherein. The rodent management station 300 possesses many of the samefeatures as the rodent management station 100, such as, withoutlimitation, the overall geometric shape of the station 300 defining aquarter-dome shape and the locking mechanisms securing the base 304 tothe lid 306 when the station 300 is in a closed configuration.

The rodent management station 300 generally comprises a base 304 and alid 306 that is releasably connectable to the base for configurationbetween an opened configuration and a closed configuration. In theclosed configuration, the lid 306 and base 304 together broadly define ahousing having a substantially enclosed interior space with theexception of the openings 302. These entry openings 302 are suitablydisposed in opposite sides of the station 300, and more particularlyopposite sides of the lid 306 in the illustrated embodiment. In theopened configuration of the station 300 (FIGS. 91, 92), the lid 306 isgenerally separated at least in part from the base 304 to provide accessto the interior space of the rodent management station 300 formaintenance of the station, such as, without limitation, replenishingthe bait supply, inspecting the rodent management station 300, andclearing debris from the rodent management station 300.

The base 304 and lid 306 may be suitably fabricated from any number ofmaterials, most suitably plastic or other suitable weather resistantmaterial. For example, the base 304 and lid 306 may be formed in aninjection molding process used for producing parts from thermoplastic orthermosetting plastic materials. It is understood, however, that the lidand base may be constructed of metal or other suitable materials, andthat the lid and base may be constructed of different materials fromeach other, without departing from the scope of this invention.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, rodent management station 300has at least one inspection member to permit inspection of the interiorspace of the station housing. For example, in the illustrated embodimentat least a portion of the station 300 housing is translucent or moresuitably transparent. More particularly, at least a portion of at leastone of the rear wall 330 and the bottom panel 322 is translucent ortransparent. Even more particularly, the rear wall 330 and bottom panel322 of the illustrated embodiment are constructed to be substantiallyentirely translucent and more suitably transparent such that the entirebase 304 further defines an inspection member of the rodent managementstation 300. In such an embodiment, the lid 306 is suitably opaque suchthat when the station 300 is resting at a predetermined location such asa corner, with the rear wall against a structural wall (e.g., of abuilding, etc.) and the bottom panel down against a support surface, onecannot see into the interior space of the station housing upon walkingby. Rather, the station 300 must be intentionally moved away from itsin-use location to allow inspection.

It is understood that only one of the rear wall 330 and bottom panel 322may be translucent or transparent. It is also understood that less thanthe entire rear wall 330 and/or bottom panel 322 may be translucent ortransparent without departing from the scope of this invention. Forexample, one or more translucent or transparent windows may be disposedin an otherwise opaque rear wall 330 and/or bottom panel 322.Alternatively, one or more viewing openings or slots may be provided inthe rear wall 330 and/or bottom panel 322 for seeing into the interiorspace of the station 300 housing. While an inspection member isdescribed herein in connection with this third, smaller embodiment of arodent management station 300 it is understood that one or moreinspection members may be provided on either of the rodent managementstations 100, 1100 of the previous embodiments, and more particularly onthe respective rear wall 116, 1116 and/or bottom panel 114, 1114thereof.

Although not shown, a removable cover, or covers, may be provided tocover the one or more inspection members to further inhibit unintendedviewing therethrough of the interior space of the station 300 housing.The removable cover may a removable film, sticker, panel or othersuitable structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 306 is suitably entirelyseparable from the base 304 (e.g., not hinged thereto as in the rodentmanagement station 100 of the first embodiment). It is understood,however, that the lid 306 may be hinged (e.g., as by a living hinge orsuitable mechanical hinge) as in the first embodiment describedpreviously. In the closed configuration of the station 300, the lid 306and base 304 are releasably held in assembly by a suitable lockingmechanism 342 (similar to or the same as locking mechanism 142 describedabove) to inhibit unauthorized or unintended opening of the rodentmanagement station 300. Additionally, more than one locking mechanismmay be used to releasably hold together the lid 306 and the base 304,according to other embodiments.

The rear wall 330 (broadly, the upstanding wall) of the base 304 isagain of two wall construction having an inner panel and an outer panelspaced from each other and connected by a suitable top panel and endpanels. The lid 306 is relatively flat along the edge margin wherein thelid overlays the top panel of the rear wall 330 so that the lid laysflat against the top panel of the rear wall. Such an arrangementprovides increased resistance to crushing of the lid 306 by a downwarddirected force, such as by someone inadvertently stepping on the rodentmanagement station 300 or dropping a heavy object thereon. As in theprevious embodiments, the outer panel of the rear wall 330 extends abovethe top panel and outward of the end panels so that when the lid isclosed the edge of the lid abuts or is in closely spaced relationshipwith the outer panel to inhibit the ability of the lid to be pried open.Additionally, while in the previous embodiments the bottom edge of thelid 106 extends down into abutting or closely spaced relationship withthe inner surface 118 of the bottom panel 114 about the periphery of thebottom panel, in this embodiment the lid extends down around the outsideof the bottom panel (except at the rear wall 116), such as about aperipheral skirt 318 of the bottom panel 322 and more suitablyterminates generally flush with the bottom of the station 300 to furtherinhibit the lid from being pried open. It is understood that such anarrangement may also be provided on the rodent management stations 100,1100 of the previous embodiments, or that the lid arrangement of theprevious embodiments may used for the station 300 of this embodimentwithout departing from the scope of this invention.

A rain gutter (e.g., a groove) 335, as best seen in FIGS. 91 and 98, isformed in the rear wall 330 and extends from each lateral side of thelocking mechanism 342 along the to panel and down along the end panelsto where the rear wall meets the bottom panel 322. This gutter 335arrangement facilitates the run-off of water that gets into the station300 via the locking mechanism 342 or between the lid 306 and the rearwall 330. As illustrated in FIG. 92, the lid 306 of the station 300 ofthis embodiment further comprises flange members 337 extending inwardfrom each edge of the lid generally along the sides of the lid andacross a portion of the top of the lid. These flange members 337 aresized for slidable receipt within the groove 335 (e.g., in the manner ofa tongue-in-groove arrangement) as the lid is lowered onto the base 304to facilitate alignment on and placement of the lid 306 down onto therear wall 330 and over the rest of the base 304.

The lid 306 of the station 300 (in a manner similar to the lid 106 ofthe station 100) includes laterally opposite walls 310 broadly definingthe opposite sides of the station 300, a front wall broadly defining thefront of the station 300 and a top wall broadly defining the top of thestation 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 82 and 84, the lid 306 furthercomprises interior panels 312 (broadly, partition structure) dependingtherefrom to partition the interior space of the station 300 housinginto a desired layout for rodent management. The interior panels 312 maybe molded together with other lid components or formed separatetherefrom and joined thereto by adhesive, welding, fastening, or othersuitable attachment technique.

As seen in FIGS. 81 and 94, an outer surface 314 of the bottom panel 322of the base 304 has a plurality of protrusions 316 depending therefrom.These protrusions 316 function in a manner similar to the plurality ofribs 126 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 and discussed above. Theprotrusions 316 each have a length that results in the terminal ends ofthe protrusions 316 lying generally in the same horizontal plane as thelower edge of the skirt 318 (e.g., the bottom of the station 300).Adhesive may be placed on a mounting surface (to which the station is tobe mounted) or directly onto the protrusions 316. Upon mounting of thestation 300 down onto the mounting surface, adhesive more readilyspreads up into the protrusions 316 to the enhance the bonding betweenthe base and the mounting surface. That is, the protrusions 316 providean increased surface area for contact with the adhesive, resulting in astrengthened bond between the adhesive, the rodent management station300, and the mounting surface. In the illustrated embodiment, theprotrusions 316, are grouped together at a central location on thebottom surface 314 of the base 304. However, in other embodiments avariety of configurations of the protrusions 316 may be utilized.Alternatively, a rib and groove pattern such as that present in thefirst embodiment may be provided on the station 300 of this secondembodiment without departing from the scope of this invention.

With reference to FIGS. 92-94 and 98, the interior panels 312 dependingfrom the lid 306 are configured to extend into abutting or closelyspaced relationship with an inner surface 320 of the bottom panel 322 ofthe base 304 when the lid is closed to partition the interior space ofthe station 300 housing into a generally central bait chamber 338 and apair of pathways 303 each extending from opposite one of the entryopenings 302 along the lid to an entryway to the bait station with theentryway also defined by the interior panels. The pathways 303 togetherdefine a single passageway 309 that extends from one entry opening 302to the opposite entry opening, around the bait chamber 338. Thepassageway 309 prevents rodents entering the rodent management station300 at the openings 302 from traveling straight through the rodentmanagement station and instead direct rodents along the passageway 309towards the front of the rodent management station and the entryway tothe bait chamber 338. Accordingly, it will be seen that the interiorpanels 312 restrict access to the bait chamber 338 (and hence baitdisposed therein), i.e., by omitting access to the bait chamber fromopenings 302 in the rodent management station 300. Thus, non-targetedanimals (e.g., dogs or cats) and unauthorized individuals (e.g.,children) cannot reach the bait in the bait chamber when the lid 306 isclosed.

The interior panels 312 in one suitable embodiment have one or morethrough-openings 341 formed therein, and more suitably disposed indirectional alignment with each of the entry openings 302. For example,in the illustrated embodiment the one or more through-openings 341comprise a plurality of elongate, vertically extending slots formed inthe interior panels 312 to define a plurality of slats, or baffles 340in directional alignment with the entry openings 302. The slots aresuitably sized large enough to permit light to enter the rodentmanagement station 300 while still sized substantially smaller than theentry openings so as to inhibit rodents from passing through the slots.In the illustrated embodiment in which the rodent management station 300has two laterally opposite entry openings 302, the slots also allowlight to pass through the entire rodent management station 300 so that arodent can see straight through the station through the entry openings.

These slots also provide open communication between the pathways and thecentral bait chamber 338 so that the rodent is able to better smell (dueto air flow through the rodent management station) bait in the baitchamber from the exterior of the station 300 and upon entry into thestation as the rodent is routed along the pathway. It is understood thatadditional through-openings 341 may be provided along a longer segmentof the pathway from the entry opening 302 to the entryway of the baitchamber 338, including along the entire pathway. It is also understoodthat the through-openings may be other than in the form of slots, suchas perforations, holes or other suitable openings that may or may notextend to the bottom edge of the interior panels 312. The interiorpanels 312 may also include a plurality of gussets or webs (not shown)where the interior panels 312 adjoin the lid 306 to provide additionalstrength and rigidity to the lid and interior panels.

The locking mechanism 342 used to releasably secure the base 304 to thelid 306 operates in the same or similar manner as the locking mechanisms142 and 1142 described above in relation to the rodent managementstations 100 and 1100, respectively. The locking mechanism 342 thusfunctions to prevent unauthorized or unintended opening of the rodentmanagement station 300. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 342 isunlocked by a key similar to and more suitably identical to the key 152described above. In one embodiment, a rodent management system maycomprise two rodent management stations of different size, such as therodent management station 100 and the rodent management station 300,with a single key 152 configured for use with both of the stations.

In addition to the differences in overall dimensions between thestations 100 and 300, the rodent management station 300 differs in oneaspect from the previously described embodiments in that the bait ispositioned differently within the station 300. For example, in thisthird embodiment bait is instead supported by bait support structuredepending from the lid 306 above the bait chamber 338.

One or more bait supports 358 may be utilized for positioning andretaining bait within the bait chamber 338. FIGS. 85-89 illustrate twodifferent types of exemplary bait supports 358. The bait supports 358function in the same general manner and are coupled at one or both oftheir ends to the lid 306. The bait supports in turn pass through a holein each of the bait blocks (or a hole in a single bait block)—the holebeing centrally located in the bait block although the hole need not becentrally located to remain with the scope of the invention. It is alsounderstood that the bait may be other than in the shape of a block orcube without departing from the scope of this invention. The baitsupports 358 are sized to extend longitudinally outward beyond theopposite ends of a row of bait blocks 356.

Upon separation of the lid 306 from the base 304 for servicing of therodent management station 300, the bait blocks 356 are retained on thebait support 358 which is in turn coupled to the lid 306. Accordingly,the base 304 is free from protrusions or other obstructions and iseasily swept clean of debris.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 85 and 86, the bait support 358is in the form of a first bait pin 360. The first bait pin 360 has agenerally round shaft 362 extending along its longitudinal axis. At oneend of the shaft 362, the diameter thereof is reduced, resulting in atapered end 364. The reduced diameter of the tapered end 364 providesfor easier mounting of bait blocks 356 on the bait pin 360. At theopposite end of the shaft 362, the diameter of the body is increased,resulting in an expanded or enlarged end 366. The enlarged end 366 isreceivable within a recess 370 formed into (or suitably attachedthereto) an interior surface 368 (as best seen in FIGS. 94 and 96) ofthe lid 306. The outer diameter of the enlarged end 366 and the recess370 are preferably sized relative to each other to provide a snap orfriction fit therebetween. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, asuitable securement mechanism may be used to couple the first bait pin360 to either the lid 306 or recess 370.

In another embodiment, a second bait support 358 (i.e., a second baitpin 380) is provided as illustrated in FIGS. 87-89. The second bait pin380 has a generally round shaft 382 extending along its longitudinalaxis. At one end of the shaft 382, the diameter of the shaft is reduced,resulting in a tapered end 384. The reduced diameter of the tapered end384 provides for easier mounting of bait blocks 356 on the second baitpin 380. An oblong-shaped member 386 is disposed at the opposite end ofthe shaft 382. The oblong-shaped member 386 has a central opening 388located therein. A post (not shown) or other suitable structure isformed into (or suitably attached thereto) the interior surface 368 ofthe lid 306. The central opening 388 and post are preferably sizedrelative to each other to enable a snap or friction fit therebetween.The oblong-shaped member 386 also includes an extension 392 sized to fitwithin a corresponding channel 394 (as best seen in FIG. 98) formed into(or suitably attached thereto) the interior surface 368 of the lid 306.The extension 392 and the channel 394 are preferably sized relative toeach other to enable a snap or friction fit therebetween. Alternatively,or in addition thereto, a suitable securement mechanism may be used tocouple the second bait pin 380 to the either the lid 306 or post.

FIGS. 99-107 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the rodent managementstation. This embodiment differs from the previously described rodentmanagement stations in that a different type of bait support 358 isutilized. In particular, a bait support in the form of a bait supportwire 396 is utilized to support the bait blocks 356. The bait supportwire 396 has a generally round (in cross-section) shaft extending alongits longitudinal axis. One end of the shaft is receivable in the recess370 formed into (or suitably attached thereto) a seat formed in theinterior surface 368 of the lid 306. Alternatively, or in additionthereto, a suitable securement mechanism may be used to couple the baitsupport wire 396 to either the lid 306 or recess 370.

The bait support wire 396 has one or more bends formed therein, anddescends into the bait chamber 338 from the end which is received in therecess. FIGS. 104-107 illustrate various views of the bait support wire396. The configuration of the bait support wire 396 is provided forillustrative purposes, and a variety of different configurations may beutilized without departing from the scope of the embodiments of theinvention.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methodswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

1. A rodent management station comprising: a housing having an interiorspace and including a base and a lid together at least in part definingthe interior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relativeto the base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing,said housing having an entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing, the rodent management station furthercomprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing, the base comprising a floor panel havinga circumference and an inner surface on which rodents move within theinterior space of the housing, the base further comprising at least oneupstanding wall extending upward relative to the floor panel aboutsubstantially less than the circumference of the floor panel such that acontinuous circumferential segment of at least about 25 percent of thefloor panel circumference is free from enclosure by the at least oneupstanding wall in the opened configuration of the station.
 2. Therodent management station of claim 1 wherein the rodent managementstation has a front, a rear, and transversely opposite sides, the atleast one upstanding wall extending upward relative to the floor panelother than along the front of the housing in the opened configuration ofthe station.
 3. The rodent management station of claim 2 wherein the atleast one upstanding wall extends upward relative to the floor panelonly along the rear of the housing in the opened configuration of thestation.
 4. The rodent management station of claim 1 wherein the rodentmanagement station has a front, a rear, and transversely opposite sides,the at least one upstanding wall extending upward relative to the floorpanel other than along one of the transversely opposite sides of thehousing in the opened configuration of the station.
 5. The rodentmanagement station of claim 4 wherein the at least one upstanding wallextends upward relative to the floor panel other than along both of thesides of the housing in the opened configuration of the station.
 6. Therodent management station of claim 1 wherein in the opened configurationof the station and with all traps removed from the interior space of thehousing the inner surface of the floor panel is free from upstandingstructure of a height greater than 1 cm other than the at least oneupstanding wall.
 7. The rodent management station of claim 1 wherein inthe opened configuration of the station and with all traps removed fromthe interior space of the housing the inner surface of the floor panelis free from upstanding structure of a length greater than 1 cm otherthan the at least one upstanding wall.
 8. A rodent management stationcomprising: a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space issubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, said housinghaving an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior spaceof the housing, the rodent management station further comprising atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing, the base comprising a floor panel having a front edge, arear edge, and transversely opposite side edges, in the openedconfiguration of the station and with all traps removed therefrom theinner surface of the floor panel being free from surface discontinuitiesof greater than 1 cm transversely across the entire floor panel from onefloor panel side edge to the opposite floor side edge.
 9. A rodentmanagement station comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing,said housing having an entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing, the rodent management station furthercomprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing, the base comprising a floor panel havingan inner surface on which rodents move within the interior space of thehousing, the lid and base being configured such that in the openedconfiguration of the station and with all traps removed from off of thefloor panel the inner surface of the floor panel is accessible to permitthe removal of debris therefrom without moving the base and withoutpicking or suctioning debris up off of the inner surface of the floorpanel.
 10. The rodent management station of claim 9 wherein in theopened configuration of the station the base is configured to permitsliding movement of debris off of the inner surface of the floor panel.11. The rodent management station of claim 10 wherein the station iscleanable with one of a brush and broom, the base having a front, a rearand transversely opposite sides, the base being configured to permitmovement of said one of a brush and a broom from a position transverselyoff of and away from one edge of the floor panel across the innersurface of the floor panel to a position transversely off of and awayfrom the opposite edge of the floor panel without lifting said one of abrush and a broom.
 12. A rodent management station comprising: a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing, said housing having an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the interior space of the housing, said housingfurther having internal partition structure configured to partition theinterior space of the housing into a bait chamber having an entrywayspaced from the entry opening of the housing, and a pathway defined atleast in part by the partition structure and extending away from the atleast one entry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber, thepartition structure having at least one through-opening therein otherthan at the bait chamber entryway to provide open communication betweenthe pathway and the bait chamber other than at said bait chamberentryway, said at least one through-opening being sized substantiallysmaller than the housing entry opening and the bait chamber entryway toinhibit rodents against entering the bait chamber at the at least onethrough-opening.
 13. The rodent management station of claim 12 whereinthe at least one through-opening is disposed in generally directionalalignment with the entry opening of the housing.
 14. The rodentmanagement station of claim 12 wherein the at least one through-openingcomprises at least one elongate slot disposed in the partitionstructure.
 15. The rodent management station of claim 14 wherein the atleast one elongate slot comprises a plurality of elongate verticallyextending slots disposed in the partition structure.
 16. The rodentmanagement station of claim 12 wherein the base comprises a floor panelhaving an inner surface, the partition structure being connected to thelid of the housing for conjoint movement with the lid relative to thebase upon movement of the lid to the opened configuration of thestation, in the closed configuration of the station at least a portionof the partition structure being in closely spaced relationship with theinner surface of the floor panel to inhibit rodents from moving beneathsaid portion of the partition structure.
 17. The rodent managementstation of claim 13 wherein the housing has a pair of entry openingsthrough which rodents enter the interior space of the housing, theinternal partition structure being configured to partition the interiorspace of the housing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced fromeach of the entry openings of the housing, a first pathway defined atleast in part by the partition structure and extending away from one ofthe entry openings to the entryway of the bait chamber and a secondpathway separate from the first pathway and extending away from theother one of the entry openings to the entryway of the bait chamber, thepartition structure having at least one through-opening in generallyopposed relationship with one housing entry opening, and at least oneother through-opening in generally opposed relationship with the otherhousing entry opening.
 18. The rodent management station of claim 17wherein the entry openings of the housing are in spaced relationshipwith each other along a straight line from one entry opening to theother entry opening.
 19. A rodent management station comprising: ahousing having an interior space and including a base and a lid togetherat least in part defining the interior space of the housing, the basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing, said housing having an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the interior space of the housing, said housingfurther having internal partition structure configured to partition theinterior space of the housing into a bait chamber having an entrywayspaced from the entry opening of the housing, and a pathway defined atleast in part by the partition structure and extending away from the atleast one entry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber, thepartition structure being connected to the lid of the housing forconjoint movement with the lid relative to the base upon movement of thelid to the opened configuration of the station, in the closedconfiguration of the station at least a portion of the partitionstructure being in closely spaced relationship with the inner surface ofthe floor panel to inhibit rodents from crawling under said portion ofthe partition structure.
 20. The rodent management station of claim 19wherein the housing has a front, a rear and opposite sides, thepartition structure being spaced transversely from at least one of thefront, the back and the opposite sides of the housing to define saidpathway between the partition structure and the housing.
 21. The rodentmanagement station of claim 20 wherein said at least one of the front,the back and the opposite sides of the housing is defined by the lid ofsaid housing such that the pathway is disposed transversely between thepartition structure and the lid.
 22. The rodent management station ofclaim 19 wherein the housing has a pair of entry openings through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, the internal partitionstructure being configured to partition the interior space of thehousing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced from each of theentry openings of the housing, a first pathway defined at least in partby the partition structure and extending away from one of the entryopenings to the entryway of the bait chamber and a second pathwayseparate from the first pathway and extending away from the other one ofthe entry openings to the entryway of the bait chamber.
 23. The rodentmanagement station of claim 22 wherein the entry openings are indirectional alignment with each other along a straight line from one ofsaid entry openings to the other.
 24. The rodent management station ofclaim 19 wherein the partition structure is formed integrally with thelid.
 25. The rodent management station of claim 19 wherein the partitionstructure is generally curved along the length of the pathway.
 26. Arodent management station positionable on a support surface, the stationcomprising: a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the housing having a bottom defined at least in part by thebase and adapted for resting on the support surface, said basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface on which the rodentmoves within the interior space of the housing, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing, said housing having an entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the interior space of the housing, and at least oneof a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of thehousing, the inner surface of the floor panel being everywhere disposedabove the bottom of the housing by at least 2.54 mm (0.1 inches). 27.The rodent management system of claim 26 wherein the inner surface ofthe floor panel is everywhere disposed above the bottom of the housingby at least 5.08 mm (0.2 inches).
 28. The rodent management system ofclaim 26 wherein the floor panel comprises a peripheral skirt extendingfrom the inner surface of the floor panel to the bottom of the housing.29. The rodent management system of claim 28 wherein the lid has aterminal edge configured for closely spaced relationship with the innersurface of the floor panel in the closed configuration of the station.30. The rodent management system of claim 28 wherein the lid isconfigured to extend down over the skirt of the floor panel in theclosed configuration of the lid.
 31. The rodent management system ofclaim 30 wherein the lid has a terminal edge and is configured to extenddown over the skirt of the floor panel with the terminal edge of the lidin generally flush alignment with the bottom of the housing.
 32. Arodent management station comprising: a housing having an interior spaceand including a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the base comprising a floor panel havingan inner surface on which rodents move within the interior space of thehousing, at least a portion of the inner surface of the floor panelbeing textured to provide a tactile response to rodents moving withinthe interior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relativeto the base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing,said housing having an entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing, the rodent management station furthercomprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing.
 33. The rodent management station ofclaim 32 wherein the housing further comprises internal partitionstructure configured to partition the interior space of the housing intoa bait chamber having an entryway spaced from the entry opening of thehousing, and a pathway defined at least in part by the partitionstructure and extending away from the at least one entry opening to theentryway of the bait chamber, at least a portion of the inner surface ofthe floor panel along said pathway being textured.
 34. The rodentmanagement station of claim 33 wherein the partition structure isconnected to the lid of the housing for conjoint movement with the lidrelative to the base upon movement of the lid to the openedconfiguration of the station, substantially the entire inner surface ofthe floor panel being textured.
 35. The rodent management station ofclaim 32 wherein the housing has a pair of entry openings through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, said openings being indirectional alignment with each other along a straight line extendingfrom one opening to the other, the textured portion of the inner surfaceof the floor panel comprising at least one of a plurality of grooves anda plurality of elongate bumps extending generally parallel to thedirectional alignment of the entry openings.
 36. The rodent managementstation of claim 33 wherein the housing has a pair of entry openingsthrough which rodents enter the interior space of the housing, theinternal partition structure being configured to partition the interiorspace of the housing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced fromeach of the entry openings of the housing, a first pathway extendingaway from one of the entry openings to the entryway of the bait chamberand a second pathway separate from the first pathway and extending awayfrom the other one of the entry openings to the entryway of the baitchamber, the inner surface of the floor panel along each of said firstand second pathways being textured.
 37. The rodent management station ofclaim 36 wherein each of said pathways defines a corresponding path ofmovement along which rodents move from one of the entry openings of thehousing to the bait chamber entryway, the textured portion of the innersurface along each of said pathways comprising at least one of aplurality of grooves and a plurality of elongate bumps extending atleast in part crosswise to the path of movement of said pathway.
 38. Therodent management station of claim 33 wherein the floor panel furthercomprises a demarcation on the inner surface thereof indicative of thelocation of the partition structure in the closed configuration of thestation.
 39. A rodent management station comprising: a housing having aninterior space and including a base and a lid together at least in partdefining the interior space of the housing, the base comprising a floorpanel having an inner surface on which rodents move within the interiorspace of the housing, the lid being positionable relative to the basebetween a closed configuration of the station in which the interiorspace is substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of thestation in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, saidhousing having an entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing, the rodent management station further comprisingat least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior spaceof the housing, the housing having an inspection member allowinginspection of the interior space of the housing without opening thestation.
 40. The rodent management station of claim 39 wherein theinspection member comprises a portion of the housing being one oftransparent and translucent.
 41. The rodent management station of claim40 wherein the inspection member comprises at least a portion of thebase being one of transparent and translucent.
 42. The rodent managementstation of claim 41 wherein the inspection member comprises at least aportion of the floor panel being one of transparent and translucent. 43.The rodent management station of claim 39 wherein the housing has afront, a rear and transversely opposite sides, the base furthercomprising an upstanding rear wall extending at least in part upwardrelative to the inner surface of the floor panel, the inspection memberbeing disposed on the upstanding rear wall of the base.
 44. The rodentmanagement station of claim 43 wherein the inspection member comprisesat least a portion of the upstanding rear wall of the base being one oftransparent and translucent.
 45. The rodent management station of claim43 wherein the inspection member comprises a first inspection member,the station further comprising a second inspection member disposed onthe floor panel of the base.
 46. The rodent management station of claim39 wherein at least one of the rodent management station and theinspection member are configured to prevent viewing of the interiorspace of the housing without moving the housing.
 47. A rodent managementstation comprising: a housing having an interior space and including abase and a lid together at least in part defining the interior space ofthe housing, the base comprising a floor panel having a circumferenceand an inner surface on which rodents move within the interior space ofthe housing, the base further comprising an upstanding wall extending upfrom the floor panel about at least a portion of the circumferencethereof, the upstanding wall having an upper edge and at least onegutter disposed in and extending along at least a portion of the upperedge of the upstanding wall to facilitate water drainage from theupstanding wall, the lid being positionable relative to the base betweena closed configuration of the station in which the interior space issubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, said housinghaving an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior spaceof the housing, the rodent management station further comprising atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing.
 48. The rodent management station of claim 47 wherein theupstanding wall extends up from the floor panel about less than theentire circumference of said floor panel such that the upstanding wallhas the upper edge and a pair of end edges, the at least one gutterfurther extending downward along at least a portion of each of the endedges of the upstanding wall.
 49. The rodent management station of claim47 wherein the lid is configured such that in the closed configurationof the station the lid covers at least a portion of the upper edge ofthe upstanding wall.
 50. The rodent management station of claim 49wherein the lid is configured such that in the closed configuration ofthe station the lid further covers at least a portion of each of the endedges of the upstanding wall.
 51. The rodent management station of claim47 wherein the housing has a front, a rear and transversely oppositesides, the upstanding wall extending only along the rear of the housing.52. The rodent management station of claim 47 further comprising atleast one drain hole disposed within the upper edge of the upstandingwall.
 53. The rodent management station of claim 52 where at least onedrain hole is disposed within the at least one gutter of the upper edgeof the upstanding wall.
 54. A rodent management station comprising: ahousing having an interior space and including a base and a lid togetherat least in part defining the interior space of the housing, the basecomprising a floor panel having a circumference and an inner surface onwhich rodents move within the interior space of the housing, the basefurther comprising an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panelabout at least a portion of the circumference, the upstanding wallhaving an upper edge and at least one drain hole disposed in the upperedge out of communication with the interior space of the housing topermit water to drain from the upper edge of the upstanding wall awayfrom the interior space of the housing, the lid being positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing, said housing having an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, the rodent managementstation further comprising at least one of a trap and a baitpositionable within the interior space of the housing.
 55. The rodentmanagement station of claim 54 wherein the upstanding wall has aplurality of drain holes disposed in the upper edge thereof in spacedrelationship with each other along said upper edge.
 56. The rodentmanagement station of claim 54 wherein the upstanding wall extends aboutless than the entire circumference of said floor panel.
 57. The rodentmanagement station of claim 54 wherein the lid is configured such thatin the closed configuration of the station the lid covers at least aportion of the upper edge of the upstanding wall.
 58. The rodentmanagement station of claim 54 wherein the housing has a front, a rearand transversely opposite sides, the upstanding wall extending onlyalong the rear of the base.
 59. The rodent management station of claim54 wherein the upstanding side wall comprises an inner panel in partdefining the interior space of the housing and an outer panel inopposed, spaced relationship with the inner panel, and a top panelspanning the inner and outer panels and defining the upper edge of theupstanding wall, the at least one drain hole being disposed in the toppanel out of communication with the interior space of the housing topermit water to drain from the top panel of the upstanding wall tobetween the inner and outer panels of the upstanding wall.
 60. A rodentmanagement station comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the base comprising a floor panel havinga circumference and an inner surface on which rodents move within theinterior space of the housing, the base further comprising an upstandingwall extending up from the floor panel about at least a portion of thecircumference thereof, the upstanding wall comprising an inner panel inpart defining the interior space of the housing, an outer panel inopposed, spaced relationship with the inner panel, and a top panelspanning the inner and outer panels of said upstanding wall, the lidbeing positionable relative to the base between a closed configurationof the station in which the interior space is substantially enclosed,and an opened configuration of the station in which the interior spaceis accessible for servicing, in the closed position of the station thelid covering at least a portion of the top panel of the upstanding wallof the base, said housing having an entry opening through which rodentsenter the interior space of the housing, the rodent management stationfurther comprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing.
 61. The rodent management station ofclaim 60 wherein the upstanding wall extends about less than the entirecircumference of said floor panel.
 62. The rodent management station ofclaim 60 wherein the housing has a front, a rear and transverselyopposite sides, the upstanding wall extending only along the rear of thebase.
 63. The rodent management station of claim 60 wherein the housinghas a bottom, the outer panel having a lower edge at least a portion ofwhich is generally at the bottom of the housing.
 64. The rodentmanagement station of claim 63 wherein the inner panel of the upstandingwall has a lower edge that is generally coterminal with the lower edgeof the outer panel of the upstanding wall.
 65. The rodent managementstation of claim 60 wherein the top panel has a maximum width in therange of about 0.5 cm to about 5.0 cm.
 66. The rodent management stationof claim 60 wherein the upstanding wall further comprises a pair of endpanels spanning the inner and outer panels.
 67. The rodent managementstation of claim 66 wherein in the closed configuration of the stationthe lid further covers at least a portion of each of said end panels ofthe upstanding wall.
 68. The rodent management station of claim 60wherein the inner panel and the outer panel have corresponding upperedges, the outer panel upper edge being disposed higher than the innerpanel upper edge.
 69. The rodent management station of claim 68 whereinthe outer panel upper edge is disposed higher than the top panel
 70. Arodent management station comprising: a housing having a front, a rear,opposite sides, and an interior space, the housing including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space issubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, said housinghaving an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior spaceof the housing, the rodent management station further comprising atleast one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space ofthe housing, the housing having at least two mounting ports separatefrom the rodent entry opening, said at least two mounting ports beingmounted on the same one of the front, the rear, the one side and theopposite side of the housing.
 71. The rodent management station of claim70 wherein the at least two mounting ports comprises a pair of mountingports in spaced relationship with each other in one of a horizontalalignment and a vertical alignment on the housing.
 72. The rodentmanagement station of claim 70 wherein the at least two mounting portscomprises at least three mounting ports on the same one of the front,the rear, the one side and the opposite side of the housing.
 73. Therodent management station of claim 70 further comprising a respectivemovable closure for each mounting port to permit selective opening ofeach port by moving the corresponding movable closure away from theport.
 74. The rodent management station of claim 74 wherein the movableclosure comprises a removable closure separable from the housing. 75.The rodent management station of claim 75 wherein the removable closureis a frangible closure.
 76. The rodent management station of claim 70wherein the base comprises a floor panel having an inner surface onwhich rodents move within the interior space of the housing, and anupstanding wall extending up from the floor panel, the at least onemounting port being disposed on the upstanding wall of the base.
 77. Therodent management station of claim 76 wherein the upstanding wallcomprises an inner panel in part defining the interior space of thehousing, an outer panel in opposed, spaced relationship with the innerpanel, and a connecting panel spanning the inner and outer panels of theupstanding wall, the at least one mounting port being disposed on theouter panel of the upstanding wall such that the at least one mountingport is not open to the interior space of the housing.
 78. The rodentmanagement station of claim 76 wherein the housing has a front, a rear,and opposite sides, the upstanding wall extending only along the rear ofthe housing.
 79. A rodent management station comprising: a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space in substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing; a locking mechanism operable to releasablyinterlock the lid and base in the closed configuration of the station,the locking mechanism being substantially inaccessible from exterior ofthe housing to unlock the lid from the base, at least one of the lid andthe base having an opening therein for accessing the locking mechanismto unlock the lid from the base; and a cover connected to at least oneof the lid and the base, the cover extending over at least a portion ofthe at least one opening to inhibit moisture on the housing againstentering the housing at said at least one opening.
 80. The rodentmanagement station of claim 79 wherein the at least one opening isdisposed in the lid, the cover being connected to the lid and extendingover at least a portion of the at least one opening.
 81. The rodentmanagement station of claim 80 wherein the at least one opening isoriented in a first planar orientation, the cover being oriented in asecond planar orientation different from the first planar orientation ofsaid at least one opening.
 82. The rodent management station of claim 81wherein the first planar orientation of the at least one opening is agenerally vertical orientation, the cover being disposed on the lidabove the at least one opening and extending at least in parthorizontally over the at least one opening.
 83. The rodent managementstation of claim 79 further comprising a tool insertable through the atleast one opening for unlocking the lid from the base, the housinghaving an outer surface and a guide channel in said outer surfacegenerally adjacent the at least one opening to facilitate guidance ofthe tool into the at least one opening.
 84. The rodent managementstation of claim 83 wherein the cover extends over at least a portion ofthe at least one opening in generally opposed, spaced relationship withthe guide channel, the at least one opening being intermediate the guidechannel and the cover.
 85. The rodent management station of claim 84wherein the at least one opening is disposed in the lid, the guidechannel being formed in the lid an the cover being connected to lid ingenerally opposed, spaced relationship with the guide channel.
 86. Therodent management station of claim 85 wherein the at least one openingis oriented in a generally vertical orientation, the guide channel beingoriented at least in part horizontally and disposed below the at leastone opening, the cover being disposed above the at least one opening andextending at least in part horizontally over the at least one opening ingenerally opposed, spaced relationship with the guide channel.
 87. Therodent management station of claim 83 wherein the tool has a maximumwidth, the guide channel having a width of no greater than the maximumwidth of the tool.
 88. The rodent management station of claim 87 whereinthe guide channel has a width less than the maximum width of the tool.89. The rodent management system of claim 79, wherein the lid is hingedto the base for hinged movement of the lid relative to the base betweenthe open and closed configurations of the station.
 90. A rodentmanagement station comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing; alocking mechanism operable to releasably interlock the lid and base inthe closed configuration of the station, the locking mechanism beingsubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base, at least one of the lid and the base having anopening therein for accessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lidfrom the base; and a tool insertable through the at least one openingfor unlocking the lid from the base, the housing further having an outersurface and a guide channel in said outer surface to facilitate guidanceof the tool into the at least one opening.
 91. The rodent managementstation of claim 90 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in thelid, the guide channel also being disposed in an outer surface of thelid.
 92. The rodent management station of claim 90 wherein the at leastone opening is oriented in a generally vertical orientation on thehousing, the guide channel being oriented at least in part horizontallyand disposed below the at least one opening.
 93. The rodent managementstation of claim 92 wherein the guide channel slopes at least in partdownward away from the at least one opening to inhibit moisture in theguide channel against flowing toward the at least one opening.
 94. Therodent management station of claim 90 wherein the channel has a terminalend generally adjacent the at least one opening.
 95. The rodentmanagement station of claim 90 wherein the tool has a maximum width, theguide channel having a pair of side walls defining a width of said guidechannel that is no greater than the maximum width of the tool.
 96. Therodent management station of claim 95 wherein the guide channel has awidth that is less than the maximum width of the tool.
 97. The rodentmanagement station of claim 90 wherein the guide channel has a proximalend generally adjacent the at least one opening and a distal end spacedfrom the proximal end, the guide channel having a first depth at itsproximal end and a second depth at its distal end, the second depthbeing substantially less than the first depth.
 98. The rodent managementstation of claim 90 wherein the guide channel is configured to directmoisture therein away from the at least one opening.
 99. A rodentmanagement system comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing; alocking mechanism operable to releasably interlock the lid and base inthe closed configuration of the station, the locking mechanism beingsubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base, the lid having an opening therein for accessing thelocking mechanism to unlock the lid from the base; and a tool insertablethrough the at least one opening for unlocking the lid from the base,the tool having an insert portion configured for insertion through theat least one opening, and an elongate handle connected to the insertportion for grasping the tool, the insert portion of the tool beingconfigured for coupling with the lid upon unlocking the lid from thebase to facilitate use of the handle to position the lid away from thebase toward the opened configuration of the station.
 100. The rodentmanagement system of claim 99 wherein the lid has an outer surface and aguide channel disposed in said outer surface to facilitate guidance ofthe insert portion of the tool into the at least one opening,
 101. Therodent management system of claim 99 wherein the elongate handle of thetool is angled relative to the insert portion thereof.
 102. The rodentmanagement system of claim 99, wherein the locking mechanism includes:at least one locking member coupled to a portion of the base, the atleast one locking member being outwardly biased; and a catch membercoupled to a portion of the lid, the catch member having at least onenotch formed therein sized to receive the at least one locking member.103. The rodent management system of claim 102, wherein the tool isconfigured for insertion into the locking mechanism and separation ofthe outwardly biased locking member from the catch member.
 104. Therodent management system of claim 99, wherein the locking mechanismincludes: at least one locking member coupled to a portion of the lid,the at least one member being outwardly biased; and a catch membercoupled to a portion of the base, the catch member having at least onenotch formed therein sized to receive the at least one locking member.105. The rodent management system of claim 104, wherein the tool isconfigured for insertion into the locking mechanism and separation ofthe outwardly biased locking member from the catch member.
 106. A rodentmanagement system comprising: a first rodent management stationcomprising: a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, a lockingmechanism operable to releasably interlock the lid and base in theclosed configuration of the station, the locking mechanism beingsubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base, at least one of the lid and the base having anopening therein for accessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lidfrom the base, and at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing; a second rodent management stationcomprising: a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an open configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, a lockingmechanism operable to releasably interlock the lid and base in theclosed configuration of the station, the locking mechanism beingsubstantially inaccessible from exterior of the housing to unlock thelid from the base, at least one of the lid and the base having anopening therein for accessing the locking mechanism to unlock the lidfrom the base, and at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing, the second rodent management stationbeing substantially smaller than the first rodent management station;and a tool insertable through the at least one opening of the firstrodent management station housing for unlocking the lid from the base ofsaid first rodent management station, said tool also being insertablethrough the at least one opening of the second rodent management stationhousing for unlocking the lid from the base of said second rodentmanagement station.
 107. A rodent management station positionable on asupport surface comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the housing having a bottom for restingon the support surface, the lid being positionable relative to the basebetween a closed configuration of the station in which the interiorspace in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of thestation in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having an entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing, the rodent management station further comprisingat least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior spaceof the housing, the base comprising a floor panel having a perimeter, aninner surface on which rodents move within the interior space of thehousing and an outer surface at least in part defining the bottom of thehousing, the floor panel outer surface having a plurality of cavitiesdisposed therein in spaced relationship with the perimeter of the floorpanel.
 108. The rodent management station of claim 107 wherein thecavities comprise a plurality of channels disposed in the outer surfaceof the floor panel, the channels terminating in spaced relationship withthe perimeter of the floor panel such that the channels are generallyclosed from exterior of the housing when the bottom of the housing restson the support surface.
 109. The rodent management station of claim 108wherein at least one of the channels is at least in part arcuate. 110.The rodent management station of claim 108 wherein the housing has afront and a rear, at least one of the channels extending continuouslyfrom adjacent the front of the housing to adjacent the rear of thehousing.
 111. The rodent management station of claim 107 wherein atleast one of the cavities has a cross-sectional shape that is differentfrom a cross-sectional shape of at least another one of the cavities.112. The rodent management station of claim 107 wherein at least one ofthe cavities is generally circular in cross-section.
 113. The rodentmanagement system of claim 107, wherein the outer surface of the floorpanel has at least one region containing a plurality of cavities formedtherein, and at least one other region being spaced from said cavityregion and being free from cavities.
 114. The rodent management systemof claim 108, wherein the base comprises a plurality of ribs at thebottom of the housing, the ribs being disposed in generally parallel,spaced relationship with each other to define the channels betweenrespective pairs of the ribs.
 115. The rodent management system of claim107 wherein the plurality of cavities comprises a plurality of channelsextending longitudinally on the floor panel outer surface, each of thechannels having longitudinally opposite ends with the ends of eachchannel being closed from exterior of the housing when the bottom of thehousing rests on the mounting surface, the channels each having a width,the width of at least one channel being substantially greater than thewidth of at least one other channel.
 116. The rodent management systemof claim 108, wherein the channels are defined by spaced-apart ribsdisposed on the outer surface of the floor panel.
 117. A rodentmanagement station mountable on a mounting surface, the stationcomprising: a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the base having aninner surface and an outer surface, said housing having a generallyplanar bottom defined at least in part by the outer surface of the basefor resting on the mounting surface, the base having at least onepredetermined bore location at the bottom of the housing at which a boreis to be formed in the base to facilitate mounting the housing on themounting surface, said base further having guide structure disposed onthe outer surface thereof at the bottom of the housing at least one ofat and adjacent the at least one predetermined bore location.
 118. Therodent management station of claim 117 wherein the guide structuresubstantially circumscribes the predetermined bore location.
 119. Therodent management station of claim 118 wherein the guide structureencircles the predetermined bore location.
 120. The rodent managementstation of claim 117 wherein the guide structure depends from the baseof the housing at the bottom thereof.
 121. The rodent management stationof claim 120 wherein the guide structure is generally cylindrical andencircles the predetermined bore location.
 122. The rodent managementstation of claim 121 where the guide structure is a first guidestructure, the station further comprising a second guide structure, thesecond guide structure being generally cylindrical and encircling thefirst guide structure in spaced relationship therewith.
 123. A rodentmanagement station comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the housing having a bottom defined atleast in part by the base, said base comprising a floor panel having aninner surface on which the rodent moves within the interior space of thehousing, the lid being hinged to the base one of at and adjacent thefloor panel thereof on a hinge axis such that the lid is capable ofhinged movement on said hinge axis relative to the base between a closedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space issubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, said hinge axisbeing located on the housing higher than the bottom of said housing,said housing having an entry opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing, the rodent management station furthercomprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable within theinterior space of the housing.
 124. The rodent management station ofclaim 123 wherein the hinge axis is located on the housing higher thanthe inner surface of the floor panel.
 125. The rodent management stationof claim 124 wherein the hinge axis is located on the housing with therange of about 2.5 mm to about 25 mm above the inner surface of thefloor panel.
 126. The rodent management station of claim 123 wherein thehousing has a front, a rear and transversely opposite sides, the basefurther comprising an upstanding rear wall extending generallyvertically upward relative to the inner surface of the floor panel andhaving an upper edge, the lid being hinged to the base such that thehinge axis is substantially lower than the upper edge of the upstandingrear wall.
 127. The rodent management station of claim 126 wherein thelid is hinged to the base such that the hinge axis is substantiallynearer in height to the inner surface of the floor panel than to theupper edge of the upstanding rear wall.
 128. The rodent managementstation of claim 126 wherein the lid is hinged to the base generally atthe front of the housing.
 129. The rodent management station of claim126 wherein the lid is configured to substantially cover the upper edgeof the upstanding rear wall in the closed configuration of the station.130. A rodent management station comprising: a housing having aninterior space and including a base and a lid together at least in partdefining the interior space of the housing, the lid being positionablerelative to the base between a closed configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is substantially enclosed, and an openedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space is accessiblefor servicing, said housing having an entry opening through whichrodents enter the interior space of the housing, in the closedconfiguration the entry opening having a bottom, a top, a height and awidth, the width of the entry opening being substantially greater at thebottom of the opening than at the top thereof, the rodent managementstation further comprising at least one of a trap and a baitpositionable within the interior space of the housing.
 131. The rodentmanagement station of claim 130 wherein the width of the entry decreasesas the openings extends upward from the bottom of the entry opening tothe top thereof.
 132. The rodent management station of claim 130 whereinin the closed configuration of the station the entry opening has thegeneral shape of one of a one-quarter circle and a one-quarter ellipse.133. The rodent management station of claim 130 wherein the entryopening has a maximum width and a maximum height, in the closedconfiguration of the station the maximum width of the entry openingbeing greater than the maximum height thereof.
 134. The rodentmanagement station of claim 130 wherein the entry opening is disposedentirely in the lid of the housing.
 135. The rodent management stationof claim 130 wherein the housing comprises a pair of entry openings inspaced relationship with each other and aligned along a generallystraight line, the entry openings having substantially the same shape.136. The rodent management station of claim 131 wherein the maximumheight of the housing is in the range of about 10 cm to about 25 cm andthe maximum width of the housing is in the range of about 15 cm to about35 cm.
 137. The rodent management station of claim 131 wherein themaximum height of the housing is in the range of about 2.5 cm to about10 cm and the maximum width of the housing is in the range of about 5 cmto about 15 cm.
 138. A rodent management station comprising: a housinghaving an interior space and including a base and a lid together atleast in part defining the interior space of the housing, said basecomprising a floor panel having an inner surface on which the rodentmoves within the interior space of the housing, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space is substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing, in the closed position of the station the lidhaving a terminal edge one of resting on and in closely spacedrelationship with the inner surface of the floor panel, the base furthercomprising at least one stabilizing member disposed on the base andextending up above the inner surface of the floor panel to inhibittransverse movement of the lid relative to the base at the terminal edgeof the lid, said housing having an entry opening through which rodentsenter the interior space of the housing, the rodent management stationfurther comprising at least one of a trap and a bait positionable withinthe interior space of the housing.
 139. The rodent management station ofclaim 138 wherein the at least one stabilizing member comprises a nubextending up from the inner surface of the floor panel generallyadjacent the lid within the interior space of the housing to inhibittransverse movement of the lid inward toward the interior space of thehousing.
 140. The rodent management station of claim 139 wherein the lidcomprises at least one locating member configured for releasablycoupling with the at least one nub in the closed configuration of thelid.
 141. The rodent management station of claim 140 wherein the atleast one locating member comprises at least one post connected to thelid and having a terminal end including a bore therein configured toreceive the nub therein in the closed configuration of the station. 142.The rodent management station of claim 141 wherein the at least one postis formed integrally with the lid.
 143. The rodent management station ofclaim 138 wherein the lid comprises at least one locating memberconfigured for releasably coupling with the at least one stabilizingmember in the closed configuration of the lid.
 144. A rodent managementsystem comprising: a housing having an interior space and including abase and a lid together at least in part defining the interior space ofthe housing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the housing havingat least one entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing, said housing further having internal structureconfigured to partition the interior space of the housing into a baitchamber having an entryway spaced from the entry opening of the housing,and a pathway leading from the at least one entry opening to theentryway of the bait chamber; and a rodent trap disposed at least inpart within the bait chamber, at least a portion of the trap extendingfrom the bait chamber outward through the entryway thereof into thepathway.
 145. The rodent management system of claim 144 wherein therodent trap comprises a live trap, the live trap having an inlet throughwhich rodents enter the live trap, the live trap being positioned withinthe bait chamber and pathway of the housing such that the inlet of thelive trap is at least one of disposed in and accessible from thepathway.
 146. The rodent management system of claim 144 wherein thehousing has a pair of entry openings in spaced relationship with eachother, the pathway comprising a first pathway segment extending from oneentry opening to the bait chamber entryway and a second pathway segmentextending from the other entry opening to the bait chamber.
 147. Therodent management system of claim 146 wherein the rodent trap comprisesa live trap, the live trap having a trap portion configured fordisposition within the bait chamber of the housing, and an inlet portionopen to the trap portion and extending outward therefrom, the inletportion being configured to extend through the bait chamber entrywayinto the pathway, said inlet portion having a pair of inlets throughwhich rodents enter the live trap, one of said inlets being open to thefirst pathway segment and the other one of said inlets being open to thesecond pathway segment.
 148. The rodent management system of claim 144wherein the rodent trap is removable from the housing in the openconfiguration thereof.
 149. The rodent management system of claim 148wherein the rodent trap comprises a live trap, the system furthercomprising a snap trap, the live trap and snap trap beinginterchangeable within the housing in the open configuration thereof.150. The rodent management system of claim 144 further comprising arodent bait disposed in the bait chamber separate from the rodent trap.151. A rodent management system comprising: a housing having an interiorspace and including a base and a lid together at least in part definingthe interior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relativeto the base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one entry opening through which rodents enterthe interior space of the housing, said housing further having internalstructure configured to partition the interior space of the housing intoa bait chamber having an entryway spaced from the entry opening of thehousing, and a pathway leading from the at least one entry opening tothe entryway of the bait chamber; a rodent trap disposed at least inpart within the bait chamber; and rodent bait disposed within the baitchamber separate from the rodent trap.
 152. The rodent management systemof claim 151 wherein the rodent bait comprises at least one of a toxicbait, a rodent attractant and a monitoring bait.
 153. The rodentmanagement system of claim 151 wherein the trap comprises a live traphaving an interior in which a rodent is trapped, the bait being disposedwithin the bait chamber exterior of the live trap.
 154. The rodentmanagement system of claim 151 wherein the base has an inner surface atleast in part defining a floor of the bait chamber, the trap beingconfigured for seating on said bait chamber floor, the bait beingdisposed generally above the trap in spaced relationship with the baitchamber floor.
 155. The rodent management system of claim 154 furthercomprising a bait support disposed within the housing for supporting thebait in the bait chamber, the bait support being configured to supportthe bait above the trap in spaced relationship with the bait chamberfloor.
 156. The rodent management system of claim 151 wherein the rodenttrap is removable from the housing in the open configuration thereof.157. The rodent management system of claim 156 wherein the rodent trapcomprises a live trap, the system further comprising a snap trap, thelive trap and snap trap being interchangeable within the housing in theopen configuration thereof.
 158. A rodent management system comprising:a housing having an interior space and including a base and a lidtogether at least in part defining the interior space of the housing,the lid being positionable relative to the base between a closedconfiguration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the base having atleast one upstanding sidewall, the housing having at least one entryopening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing;and a rodent trap positionable within the interior space of the housing,the rodent trap being configured for releasable connection with the atleast one upstanding wall of the base.
 159. The rodent management systemof claim 158 wherein the upstanding sidewall has a slot disposedtherein, the rodent trap having a connecting tab configured forreleasable disposition within the slot to releasably connect the rodenttrap with the sidewall.
 160. The rodent management system of claim 158wherein the upstanding sidewall has a plurality of slots disposedtherein, the rodent trap having a plurality of connecting tabs in spacedrelationship with each other and configured for releasable dispositionwithin respective ones of the slots to releasably connect the rodenttrap with the sidewall.
 161. The rodent management system of claim 159wherein the connecting tab and slot are configured for sliding movementof the connecting tab within the slot.
 162. The rodent management systemof claim 161 wherein the slot has an open upper end for receiving theconnecting tab into the slot.
 163. The rodent management system of claim159 wherein the rodent trap comprises a live trap, the live trapcomprising a housing having an exterior and an interior in which rodentsare trapped, the live trap further comprising at least one firstconnecting member on the exterior of the live trap housing, the rodentmanagement system housing further comprising at least one correspondingsecond connecting member accessible in the open configuration of therodent management system housing to releasably connect the live trapconnecting member with the rodent management system connecting member.164. The rodent management system of claim 163 wherein one of the firstand second connecting members comprises a connecting tab and the otherone of the first and second connecting members comprises a slot formedin the respective one of the live trap housing and rodent managementsystem housing.
 165. The rodent management system of claim 158 furthercomprising guard structure, in the closed configuration of the stationthe guard structure inhibiting disconnection of the rodent trap from theupstanding wall by rodents within the interior space of the housing.166. The rodent management system of claim 165 wherein the guardstructure is disposed on the lid and is positioned relative to theupstanding wall in the closed configuration of the station to inhibitdisconnection of the rodent trap from the upstanding wall by rodentswithin the interior space of the housing.
 167. A rodent managementsystem comprising: a housing having an interior space and including abase and a lid together at least in part defining the interior space ofthe housing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the base having anupstanding wall, the housing having at least one entry opening throughwhich rodents enter the interior space of the housing; a rodent trappositionable within the interior space of the housing; and a trapplacement member positionable within the interior space of the housingin releasable connection with the upstanding wall of the housing, thetrap placement member being configured for aligning the rodent trap at apredetermined location within the interior space of the housing. 168.The rodent management system of claim 167 wherein the rodent trap has aperimeter, the trap placement member comprising a frame structure havinga central opening shaped generally according to the rodent trapperimeter such that the rodent trap seats within the central opening ofthe frame in closely spaced relationship therewith.
 169. The rodentmanagement system of claim 168 wherein the frame structure comprises awire frame structure.
 170. The rodent management system of claim 168wherein the upstanding wall has a slot therein, the frame structurehaving a connecting member configured for releasable disposition withinthe slot to releasably connect the frame structure with the wall. 171.The rodent management system of claim 170 wherein the upstanding wallhas a plurality of slots disposed therein, the placement member having aplurality of connecting members in spaced relationship with each otherand configured for releasable disposition within respective ones of theslots to releasably connect the placement member with the wall.
 172. Therodent management system of claim 170 wherein the connecting member andslot are configured for sliding movement of the connecting member withinthe slot.
 173. The rodent management system of claim 167 wherein therodent trap comprises a snap trap.
 174. The rodent management system ofclaim 168 wherein the frame structure comprises a plastic framestructure.
 175. A rodent management system comprising, a housing havingan interior space and including a base and a lid together at least inpart defining the interior space of the housing, the lid beingpositionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of thestation in which the interior space in substantially enclosed, and anopened configuration of the station in which the interior space isaccessible for servicing, the housing having at least one entry openingthrough which rodents enter the interior space of the housing, the basehaving an inner surface at least in part defining an interior floor ofthe housing; and a bait support positionable within the interior spaceof the housing and configured for supporting bait above the floor of thehousing, the bait support being further configured for releasableconnection with at least one of the base and the lid.
 176. The rodentmanagement system of claim 175 wherein the base comprises an upstandingwall, the bait support being configured for releasable connection withsaid upstanding wall.
 177. The rodent management system of claim 176wherein the upstanding wall has a slot therein, the bait support havinga connecting member configured for releasable disposition within theslot to releasably connect the bait support with the upstanding wall.178. The rodent management system of claim 177 wherein the upstandingwall has a plurality of bait support slots therein, the bait supportbeing configured for releasable disposition within any one of the baitsupport slots.
 179. The rodent management system of claim 178 whereinthe rodent management system comprises a plurality of bait supports,each being configured to support bait above the floor of the housing,the bait supports being further configured for releasable dispositionwith respective ones of the bait support slots in the upstanding wall.180. The rodent management system of claim 177 wherein the bait supportand the slot are configured for sliding movement of the bait supportwithin the slot.
 181. The rodent management system of claim 177 whereinthe slot has an open upper end for receiving the bait support into theslot.
 182. The rodent management system of claim 175 wherein the baitsupport comprises a platform oriented generally horizontally within theinterior space of the housing upon connection of the bait support withsaid housing.
 183. The rodent management system of claim 182 wherein thebait support further comprises a bait mounting pin connected to theplatform and extending generally vertically up from said platform uponconnection of the bait support with the housing for retaining the baiton the platform.
 184. The rodent management system of claim 183 whereinthe bait mounting pin is releasably connectable to the bait supportplatform.
 185. The rodent management system of claim 175 wherein thebait support comprises a shaped-wire seat on which bait is supported onthe bait support above the floor of the housing.
 186. The rodentmanagement system of claim 185 wherein the bait support furthercomprises a wire pin formed integrally with and extending up from theshaped-wire seat for retaining bait on said shaped-wire seat.
 187. Therodent management system of claim 175 wherein a height of the baitsupport above the floor of the housing is selectively adjustable. 188.The rodent management system of claim 175 wherein the bait support isreleasably connectable to the lid of the housing in spaced relationshipwith the floor of said housing.
 189. The rodent management system ofclaim 175 wherein the bait support is configured to support a liquidbait above the floor of the housing.
 190. The rodent management systemof claim 175 further comprising a plurality of bait blocks, the baitsupport comprising a first bait support configured to support aplurality of said bait blocks with the bait blocks arranged in agenerally stacked, vertical arrangement.
 191. The rodent managementsystem of claim 190 further comprising a second bait supportpositionable within the interior space of the housing separate from thefirst bait support and configured for supporting bait above the floor ofthe housing, the second bait support being further configured forreleasable connection with at least one of the base and the lid, saidsecond bait support being configured to support a plurality of said baitblocks in a generally horizontal line.
 192. The rodent management systemof claim 177 further comprising guard structure, in the closedconfiguration of the station the guard structure inhibiting removal ofthe bait support from the slot by rodents within the interior space ofthe housing.
 193. The rodent management system of claim 192 wherein theguard structure is disposed on the lid and is positioned to cover atleast a portion of the slot in the closed configuration of the stationto inhibit removal of the bait support from the slot by rodents withinthe interior space of the housing.
 194. A rodent management systemcomprising, a housing having an interior space and including a base anda lid together at least in part defining the interior space of thehousing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an open configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the housing havingat least one entry opening through which rodents enter the interiorspace of the housing, the base having an inner surface at least in partdefining an interior floor of the housing; and a bait support disposedwithin the interior space of the housing out of contact with the floorof the housing and configured for supporting bait above the floor of thehousing.
 195. The rodent management system of claim 194 wherein the baitsupport comprises a platform oriented generally horizontally above thefloor of the housing to define a gap therebetween within the interiorspace of the housing.
 196. The rodent management system of claim 195wherein the bait support further comprises a bait mounting pin connectedto the platform and extending generally vertically up from said platformwithin the interior space of the housing.
 197. The rodent managementsystem of claim 196 wherein the bait mounting pin is releasablyconnectable to the bait support platform.
 198. The rodent managementsystem of claim 194 wherein the bait support comprises a shaped-wireseat on which bait is supported on the bait support above the floor ofthe housing.
 199. The rodent management system of claim 198 wherein thebait support further comprises a wire pin formed integrally with andextending up from the shaped-wire seat for retaining bait on saidshaped-wire seat.
 200. The rodent management system of claim 194 whereina height of the bait support above the floor of the housing isselectively adjustable.
 201. The rodent management system of claim 194wherein the base comprises an upstanding wall, the bait support beingmounted on the upstanding wall and at least in part extending into theinterior space of the housing above the floor of the housing.
 202. Arodent management system comprising, a housing having an interior spaceand including a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an open configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one entry opening through which rodents enterthe interior space of the housing, the base having an inner surface atleast in part defining an interior floor of the housing; a bait supportpositionable within the interior space of the housing and configured forsupporting bait above the floor of the housing, the bait; and a heightadjustment member configured for selective adjustment of the height ofthe bait support above the floor of the housing.
 203. A rodentmanagement system comprising, a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an open configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one entry opening through which rodents enterthe interior space of the housing, the base having an inner surface atleast in part defining an interior floor of the housing; a plurality ofbait blocks; and at least one bait support positionable within theinterior space of the housing and configured for supporting said baitblocks in spaced relationship with the floor of the housing with thebait blocks collectively arranged in a generally horizontal line.
 204. Arodent management system comprising: a housing having an interior spaceand including a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing; and a live trap positionable entirelywithin the interior space of the housing, the live trap having an entryopening through which rodents enter the live trap, said live trap beingconfigured for disposition within the interior space of the housing withthe live trap entry opening out of directional alignment with the atleast one opening of the housing in the closed configuration of thehousing.
 205. The rodent management system of claim 204 wherein thehousing has at least two openings through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing, the housing openings being in generallyopposed, spaced relationship with each other, the live trap beingconfigured for disposition within the interior space of the housing withthe live trap entry opening out of directional alignment with each ofsaid openings of the housing in the closed configuration of the housing.206. The rodent management system of claim 204 wherein the housingfurther comprises internal structure configured to partition theinterior space of the housing into a bait chamber, and a pathway leadingfrom the at least one housing opening to the bait chamber, the live trapbeing configured for disposition at least in part within the baitchamber with the live trap entry opening being in open communicationwith the pathway in spaced relationship with the at least one housingopening.
 207. The rodent management system of claim 206 wherein thehousing has a front and a rear opposite the front, the at least oneopening in the housing being disposed generally adjacent one of thefront and the rear of the housing, the live trap being configured fordisposition at least in part within the bait chamber with the live trapentry opening being in open communication with the pathway generallyadjacent the opposite one of the front and rear of the housing.
 208. Therodent management system of claim 204 wherein the at least one housingopening is disposed in the lid of the housing.
 209. The rodentmanagement system of claim 206 wherein the housing has a pair ofopenings in spaced relationship with each other, the pathway comprisinga first pathway section extending from one of said openings to the baitchamber and a second pathway section extending from the other of saidentry openings to the bait chamber, the live trap being configured fordisposition at least in part within the bait chamber with the live trapentry opening being in open communication with the pathway in spacedrelationship with each of the housing openings.
 210. The rodentmanagement system of claim 204 wherein the live trap is removable fromthe housing in the open configuration thereof.
 211. A rodent managementsystem comprising: a housing having an interior space and including abase and a lid together at least in part defining the interior space ofthe housing, the lid being positionable relative to the base between aclosed configuration of the station in which the interior space insubstantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station inwhich the interior space is accessible for servicing, the housing havingat least one opening through which rodents enter the interior space ofthe housing; and a live trap positionable entirely within the interiorspace of the housing in the closed configuration thereof, the live traphaving an entry opening through which rodents enter the live trap, afirst trap mechanism positionable in the live trap for trapping rodentswithin the live trap and a second trap mechanism different from thefirst trap mechanism and positionable in the live trap in place of thefirst trap mechanism for trapping rodents within the live trap, the livetrap and trap mechanisms being configured for releasable securement ofthe respective first and second trap mechanisms in the live trap topermit interchangeable use of the first and second trap mechanisms inthe live trap.
 212. The rodent management system of claim 211 whereinthe first trap mechanism comprises one of a funnel trap mechanism, aswinging gate mechanism, and a ramp mechanism, the second trap mechanismcomprising a different one of the funnel trap mechanism, the swinginggate mechanism, and the ramp mechanism.
 213. The rodent managementsystem of claim 211 wherein the live trap further has an access openingand an access panel positionable between a closed position in which theaccess opening is closed and an opened position, the first and secondtrap mechanisms being insertable into and removable from the live trapthrough the access opening in the opened position of the access panel.214. The rodent management system of claim 211 wherein the live trap hasa trap portion in which rodents are trapped within the live trap, and aninlet portion in open communication with and extending outward from thetrap portion of the live trap, the entry opening of the live trap beingdisposed in the inlet portion of the live trap, the access opening andaccess panel also being disposed at the inlet portion of the live trap.215. The rodent management system of claim 213 wherein the access panelis hinged to the live trap.
 216. The rodent management system of claim213 wherein the live trap has a top and a bottom, the live trap beingpositionable within the interior space of the rodent management systemhousing with the bottom of the live trap seated on the base of thehousing, the access panel being disposed on the bottom of the live trap.217. The rodent management system of claim 214 wherein the live trapfurther has a trap portion opening separate from the access opening anddisposed in the trap portion of the live trap, and a closure panelpositionable between a closed position in which the trap portion openingis closed, and an opened position in which the trap portion is opened toaccess the interior of the trap portion for servicing.
 218. A rodentmanagement system comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing; and a live trap positionable entirelywithin the interior space of the housing in the closed configurationthereof, the live trap having an entry opening through which rodentsenter the live trap, the live trap including a trap mechanism releasablypositionable in the live trap for trapping rodents within the live trap,the live trap having an access opening and an access panel positionablebetween a closed position in which the access opening is closed and anopened position, the trap mechanism being serviceable, insertable intoand removable from the live trap through the access opening in theopened position of the access panel.
 219. The rodent management systemof claim 218 wherein the live trap has a trap portion in which rodentsare trapped within the live trap, and an inlet portion in opencommunication with and extending outward from the trap portion of thelive trap, the entry opening of the live trap being disposed in theinlet portion of the live trap, the trap mechanism, access opening andaccess panel also being disposed at the inlet portion of the live trap.220. The rodent management system of claim 218 wherein the access panelis hinged to the live trap.
 221. The rodent management system of claim218 wherein the live trap has a top and a bottom, the live trap beingpositionable within the interior space of the rodent management systemhousing with the bottom of the live trap seated on the base of thehousing, the access panel being disposed on the bottom of the live trap.222. The rodent management system of claim 219 wherein the live trapfurther has a trap portion opening separate from the access opening anddisposed in the trap portion of the live trap, and a closure panelpositionable between a closed position in which the trap portion openingis closed, and an opened position in which the trap portion is opened toaccess the interior of the trap portion for servicing.
 223. A rodentmanagement system comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing; and a live trap positionable entirelywithin the interior space of the housing in the closed configurationthereof, the live trap comprising a trap portion in which rodents aretrapped within the live trap, and an inlet portion in open communicationwith and extending outward from the trap portion of the live trap, theinlet portion having an entry opening through which rodents enter thelive trap for trapping within the trap portion thereof, the trap portionof the live trap having at least one vent opening sized substantiallysmaller than the live trap entry opening to permit fluid communicationbetween the interior of the trap portion of the live trap and theinterior space of the housing.
 224. The rodent management system ofclaim 223 wherein the live trap has a top and a bottom, the at least onevent opening being disposed in the top of the live trap at the trapportion thereof.
 225. The rodent management system of claim 223 whereinlive trap has a rear wall spaced from the inlet portion and in partdefining the trap portion of the live trap, the at least one openingbeing disposed in the rear wall of the live trap.
 226. The rodentmanagement system of claim 225 wherein the live trap further has a topand a bottom, the top of the live trap also having at least one ventopening disposed therein at the trap portion of the live trap.
 227. Therodent management system of claim 224 wherein the top has a plurality ofvent openings therein at the trap portion of the live trap, at least oneof the vent openings being generally adjacent the connection of theinlet portion with the trap portion of the live trap.
 228. The rodentmanagement system of claim 223 wherein the inlet portion of the livetrap is substantially narrower than the trap portion, the live trapfurther comprising a top, a bottom, a rear wall and laterally oppositeside walls together defining the interior of the live trap at both theinlet portion and the trap portion thereof, the sidewalls beinggenerally curved where the inlet portion transitions to the trapportion.
 229. The rodent management system of claim 228 wherein thesidewalls are connected to the rear wall, the transition of thesidewalls to the rear wall being substantially rounded.
 230. A rodentmanagement system comprising: a housing having an interior space andincluding a base and a lid together at least in part defining theinterior space of the housing, the lid being positionable relative tothe base between a closed configuration of the station in which theinterior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration ofthe station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing, thehousing having at least one opening through which rodents enter theinterior space of the housing; and a live trap positionable entirelywithin the interior space of the housing in the closed configurationthereof, the live trap having a top and a bottom and comprising a trapportion in which rodents are trapped within the live trap, an inletportion in open communication with and extending outward from the trapportion of the live trap, the inlet portion having an entry openingthrough which rodents enter the live trap, a trap mechanism disposed atleast in part within the inlet portion of the live trap in spacedrelationship with the entry opening of the live trap, and a plurality ofblocking members depending from the top of the live trap at the inletportion and arranged in longitudinally spaced relationship along theinlet portion to inhibit rodents trapped within the live trap againstmanipulating the trap mechanism to escape from the trap.
 231. The rodentmanagement system of claim 230 wherein the trap mechanism comprises oneof a funnel trap mechanism, a swinging gate mechanism, and a rampmechanism.
 232. The rodent management system of claim 231 wherein thetrap mechanism includes a gate capable of pivoting movement relative tothe top and bottom of the live trap between a generally up position inwhich the gate generally closes off the entry opening of the live trapfrom the remainder of the interior of the trap, and a down position inwhich a rodent can pass from the entry opening through the inlet portionto the trap portion of the trap, at least one of the blocking membersbeing disposed generally above the gate in the up position thereof. 233.The rodent management system of claim 232 wherein the blocking membersare arranged longitudinally along the inlet portion from a locationintermediate the entry opening and the gate in the up position thereofto a location past the gate in the up position thereof.
 234. The rodentmanagement system of claim 233 wherein the gate is biased toward its upposition.
 235. The rodent management system of claim 233 wherein thetrap mechanism comprises a ramp mechanism including the gate.
 236. Therodent management system of claim 233, wherein the interior of the gateat the inlet portion thereof has an interior height, the gate having alength longer than said interior height such that in the up position ofthe gate the gate is in a generally angled orientation.